Here in Australia it also means summer is right around the corner which often means we need to find ways to keep the kids amused indoors rather than them spending too much time out in the sun and risking harm from the sun’s rays.

For some kids this is as simple as giving them a good book to read or movie to watch, for others though you may often find these suggestions are met with a resounding “No!" At other times we’d much prefer our kids find some activity that stimulates their bodies as well as their minds so we try to limit their time spent playing the computer or latest console games. The key comes with finding a balance between their chosen boredom busters and what you’d rather they be doing.

If you’re looking for some fun ideas for your children over the holiday period (or even those days when it seems they’re bored with everything) here’s a few tips that might help:

Rather than sending your kids off to play with a toy by themselves go and spend a bit of time with them; games can become a whole lot more fun for kids if their parents get involved, particularly if it’s something you don’t get the chance to do very often.

Kids generally want to help, and for the most part if you can find a way for them to help you, be it simple things like cleaning out an old clothes cupboard – which can turn into a wonderful fashion parade – to letting them decide and then help make the evening meal. Adding a fun element to normal chores can go a long way to getting the kids to say yes when asked for help.

Check through your old cupboards, drawers and pantry and you’ll probably find a multitude of items that can be used in one form of craft activity or another. From there it’s just a matter of letting your children let their imaginations run wild.

By spending a little time working with and helping your kids decide what they’d like to do can go a long way to beating those school holiday blues.