School holidays are meant to be idyllic, right? Long family board games, walks on the beach, picnics and trips to the movies. Making memories. Ummm. Sometimes. And then sometimes school holidays go more like this…
...constant arguments about getting off technology. Away from screens. ‘Have some outdoor time’. ‘Stop fighting with your sister’. Boredom. Add in your work and home commitments and school holidays suddenly become something you dread. No idyllic holiday moments in this household.
A good quality vacation care program benefits both children and parents. It provides stability and entertainment, giving parents space and the opportunity to breathe. And work.
A good vacation care will encourage children to become active learners through thinking investigating, exploring and problem-solving. A good program is built on positive interactions, enriching experiences and providing a safe, happy and empowering environment.
Not battling to get them off screens. Or off social media.
1. Keep the routine
Maintaining a consistent routine is good for everyone’s wellbeing. Unfortunately, school holidays can disrupt even the best routine. Hello late nights and sleep in’s. It can be a hard few weeks settling back into the school term after the disruption.
But... with regular vacation care, your children will have a consistent morning routine. They will look forward to it as the program is engaging, fun and social.
2. Real ‘social’ ...not screen social.
School holidays can make it more difficult for our children to have regular contact with their friends. They may even feel isolated. But, at holiday care, or vacation care, they have the opportunity to not only see their friends regularly but also make new ones.
Vacation care also encourages group activities, like sports and team games. Interacting with other children means that they will continue to work;
● communication
● conflict resolution
● empathy skills during the school holidays.
● confidence and resilience.
It’s no secret the phrase most parents detest is ‘I’m bored’.
That’s because school holidays can seem awfully long for parents and children if there isn’t a lot to keep them busy. Holiday care is a cost-effective solution. Daily programs offer an action-packed schedule of hands-on creativity, exploration, investigation, and fun! From art & drama to science and sports.
Finding a carer or babysitter in the holidays isn’t easy. After all there are only so many favours you can call in. Most parents can’t take time off every holiday period to look after their children. At Vacation Care, your child will be supervised, engaged, and encouraged at all times. Interacting with different adults in a relaxed, happy and friendly environment also improves children’s communication skills.
We’ve said it before...this parenting gig is tough. School terms can feel like groundhog day again and again, and quite often we run ourselves ragged trying to keep on top of children, school, work, household, extended family and friends.
School holidays aren’t just about your kids. They can be a good reminder to take some time for yourself to be the very best parent you can be.
There’s something to engage the imagination of every child, and their friends.
Camden Haven Vacation Care
Drummoyne and St Marks Vacation Care
Erskineville Vacation Care
North Sydney – Community Vacation Care
North Sydney – Grandstand Vacation Care
Ryde Vacation Care
Kinross Walroi Vacation Care
Bathurst West Vacation Care
Kelso Vacation Care
Remember, you don’t need to attend the school to register for their Vacation Care Programme.
You don’t need to go every day - you can mix and match depending on your family needs - attending as little as a day a week, or full time.
At Gowrie NSW, we encourage your child’s natural curiosity, exploration and problem-solving in our quality Vacation Care Centres. Our world-class educators and staff value and respect your child’s ideas, and support them to build positive relationships with others.
Our Vacation Care program is built on positive interactions, enriching experiences and providing a safe, happy and empowering environment for before and after school care.
Our parents say ...
"I just wanted to thank you, and the team, for a wonderful term 3. My girls have been really happy attending care with Gowrie NSW this year, and it really comes down to the passion, creativity and interaction each of you is sharing with them."