How to keep the kids busy and entertained for cheap
Dear nationwide school boards: Do you realize that spring break is brutal for the average family right now? Between unemployment (read: no money for camps) and parents working full-time (read: not able to stay home), spring break is causing some serious family angst. As a single mother of two elementary aged kids, trying to maintain my full-time working schedule, I relate to the spring break dilemma. Here are some ideas that may help solve spring break this year:
1. To Grandmother’s House we Go: Schedule a visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles, old college buddies even, who stay at home with their kids. We’re all in the same boat at spring break: I bet they’re wondering how they will entertain their own kids, why not suggest a more the merrier type of week and send your kids over to camp out and play with cousins. Don’t go empty handed: be sure to bring your supply of video games, movies and snacks.
2. Staycation: If you can take the week off of work, prepare now to keep everyone happy. First, scan your local newspaper for free events and plan to hit as many as possible. Pack lunches and snacks to avoid stopping at fast food chains or buying overly crispy and sugary snacks at vendors. Designate the first and last day of break as a free day, a day of adjustment where everyone can sleep in late on day one, and prepare for school starting again on the last day. Between hitting free festivals and events, toss in a day or two at the library, (you’ll be shocked to find out how many free services they offer from free video rentals to kids story times to adult lectures). Be sure to schedule at least one day for spring cleaning. I know your kids will balk, but after they’ve filled up bins to donate and bins to toss, reward them by stopping by a dollar store and giving them each a few dollars to buy whatever they want.
3. Kid Swap: If you can’t take a week off from work and you don’t have any family the kids can visit, consider talking to other parents at your school and offering a kid swap. Basically, take one day off from work (instead of five) and take in as many kids as you can organize on that day. Set up an arts & crafts table and show movies. All the other parents in your group drop the kids off before work and pick them up after. The next day, someone else is on kid watch. The more parents you can get in on this, the fewer days you’ll need to take off from work. The kids get to go from house to house, try new things, and hang out together while the parents get to keep their bosses happy.
Extended time off from school is usually an issue for most families. This year, with a little planning and a dose of creativity, you and your kids can find great solutions that make everyone (and your wallet) happy.
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