Keeping your little cubs occupied over the holidays – with BEAR Alphabites

The school holidays…do you love them or loathe them?

For me the holidays are all about finding balance. It can be a bit intense – laughter one minute and tears the next (and that’s just me!). I like to say yes to things as much as I can, but I also want to encourage the boys to amuse themselves.

The great thing about Easter is the longer days and warmer weather. It’s the first holiday of the year where spending time outdoors doesn’t feel like a punishment. The lovely people at BEAR read our minds and sent us a wonderful package of goodies encouraging us to get outdoors and embrace our inner bear, including their brand new Alphabites packaging, which brings bear to life on the box!!

Here’s my simple formula for entertaining your little cubs over the holidays! 

Start the day well

I’m trying to get out of bed at my normal time, while they get a bit of a lie-in. This gives me a little  bit of time to drink a cup of tea in peace before the madness begins. Once they’re up we always start the day with a decent breakfast. Alphabites from BEAR are a great favourite. They taste great, but crucially aren’t filled with rubbish – just five whole grains and a sprinkling of natural coconut blossom nectar. BEAR Alphabites have been recognised by industry leading charity Action on Sugar as a leading example in the kid’s cereal category of how brands can help to reduce sugar intake – which is great news to me!

Exercise for the body and mind

Take your small people out for a big part of each day and you’ll all feel happier and healthier. Even if it’s only in the garden. One of our favourite things is to pack up a rucksack with a notebook and pencils and go out nature spotting. It moves their little legs and keeps the cogs turning in their brains. Go somewhere out of town, or just wander round your local park. The change of the seasons means they’ll be plenty to spot whether it’s birds, blossoms or just an interesting stick. Write about what you see and draw some pictures while you’re out.

Freedom

Don’t go too mad with the planning. Remember to always allow your children the freedom to do what they want (within reason!). Children have to endure the regimented routines of school from a very early age and the holiday is their time to relax and be free. Sometimes even the best laid plans are worth ditching in favour of dressing like a bear or having a rainbow painted on your face.

Giving your children freedom also means allowing them to be bored. Don’t be afraid to embrace it. Sometimes the best childhood games are born from having the time and freedom to be bored. Hold your nerve and let them whinge for a bit. You never know when inspiration will strike!

Have a few activities up your sleeve for a rainy afternoon

You don’t have to be a crafting superstar everyday, but it’s worth having a few easy things in reserve.. My hope is that this will buy me some time later in the day to get something done on my own (or feel less guilty when they watch an hour of telly).

Our favourite craft of the moment is painting terracotta plant pots with acrylic paint. It’s easy and not too messy.

That’s my simple formula. The next two weeks will be a mix of giggles, tears, tantrums and chocolate eggs. But that’s ok. The most important rule of parenting is not to be too hard on yourself! 

A big thank you to BEAR for sending us the most awesome box of goodies for the Easter holidays! They have lots of great ideas for outdoor activities on their site. 

This is a sponsored post, however all ideas and photographs are my own.