Keeping children engaged throughout the holidays can be a challenge. However, we have some ideas that could help you out.

Children can take up challenging brain games such as puzzles, Jenga blocks, Rubik’s cube and board games which are interesting to solve.

These games can be an interesting way to test coordinating abilities for children and help the Child’s brain stay active.

Read: Things Your Children Can Do During the School Break

For young children who enjoy colouring, using water paints and crayons can be a good way to have them colour books. This can be an interesting learning tool while still having fun.

Some engaging board games that children could play during the holiday.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Taking up house chores could be another thing the children could do. Rather than allowing them to have a whole day of screen time, parents could introduce children to light chores like doing the dishes and collecting litter in the compound and offer the screen time as a reward for the good job they have done.

Baking can never go wrong with the help of a guardian. Children can be introduced to baking cookies, cakes, decorating cakes and progressively they can do it by themselves during their free time.

Trying a new recipe could also be a lovely thing to do especially this festive season.

While off from work or during their free time mums and daughters can do a beauty session together.

Also Read: How the Library has built Nakuru's reading culture

As a mum if you have free time in your hands, you could use the moment to play hair salonist with your daughter. From simple hair styles, sectioning their hair and tying it with rubber bands to even braiding them yourself. This can be a good time to also make fun stories as you make their hair.

As you do this, ensure you find a way to also keep the children physically active. This could be taking walks in the evening, jumping ropes or even light exercise under a parents’ watch. This would ensure they are not dormant and their physical health stays in check.

A group of children learning ballet dance in Nakuru City.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Taking up dance classes for children who love dancing can be quite engaging. Blast some music and have them do some moves. You would be surprised how amazingly kids can dance. If you are able to join them, do so and bring out the playful traits in you.

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If you are engaged throughout and cannot be able to spend time with the children, having them visit relatives and bond with other family members is a good option. This can give a parent a chance to have some me time while the children are away.

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