Toddler Holidays Turned Educational

They come around with what parents might consider alarming regularity. Half term holidays are those breaks in the term year when parents have to work out who is going to look after the children and how they\’re going to be kept entertained. It\’s a big question for many families and as the date looms ever nearer the week long break in the middle of a working period can be unwanted.

Some people think it\’s what grandparents were made for and grandparents themselves are often all too happy to help out. If the kids have a good relationship with their grandparents then shipping them off to stay with them could be an ideal solution. They gain freedom, escape from their parents and leave mum and dad to have some valuable time alone. It seems every one benefits, that is unless the grandparents get exhausted by mid-week and sent them home again.

The break causes all kinds of difficulties in the work place. Disagreements are common particularly when it is considered that most of the workforce is made up of parents of school age children. Non parents sometimes resent always being called upon to work that particular week. It\’s worth remembering though that people in that position are able to take holidays when parents can\’t, and as a result often get cheaper holiday deals.

So once the week off work has been arranged and one parent at least is going to be home then comes the challenge of trying to work out what to do with the children begins. Visiting places is often done during this week and as a result attractions experience a much needed boost in visitor numbers. The revenue from this holiday is always important in budget calculations.

It might be useful to save money for this break. Visiting attractions can cost significant amounts particularly when an entire family is in attendance. Some of the bigger name attractions in particular charge a high amount. These are often the attractions that children are particularly keen on visiting.

Pester power often leads to parents relenting and taking their children to these places. Some attractions are principally educational, others are geared up for fun. It\’s down to parents to decide which ones they feel their children would most benefit from. There are good arguments for both. On the one hand it might be that a week spending doing things that will enhance a child\’s education is the best use of resources. On the other letting off steam at an amusement park might benefit them.

These might be treasure hunts, bike rides, rafting, climbing or exploring. These can challenge children mentally as well as physically straddling the divide between fun and education in the process. Some of the best historical attractions try to do something similar with interactivity being a key part of their approach. They might recreate a great battle from the past or teach children what life was like for servants in a large country house.

Even the most picky and demanding children can be kept happy during this holiday with a bit of forethought. Half term holidays shouldn\’t be dreaded.

Get inside info on how and where to find the best baby holiday now in our guide to the benefits of holiday with baby

Toddler Holidays Turned Educational