School Holiday Boredom Busters

School Holiday Boredom Busters

School holiday boredom busters: More quality, less technology with the "Mum, Dad I'm bored..." eguide.

As the school holidays approach, parents across the country are once again under pressure to provide a myriad of fun and engaging activities for their children. For a tired and frustrated parent needing a break of their own, it's an easy trap to place noisy, energetic children in front of a screen to occupy them for a few hours.

After all, the reality is, it's very hard to escape technology. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 99% of family households with 8-17 year olds have at least one television. 98% of homes have a computer or laptop (91% are connected to the internet), and 97% of households own at least one DVD player and/or mobile phone.

While most parents know that children should limit screen time to the recommended 1-2 hours a day, what are they supposed to do for the rest of the day?

The 2012 "Mum, Dad I'm bored…" eguide from not-for-profit organisation, Australian Scholarships Group (ASG), offers parents a break from brainstorming by providing them with a list of 100 fun free or cheap activity ideas for the holidays.

So why do kids get bored on the school holidays? Former teacher, author and journalist, Angela Rossmanith, who specialises in children's wellbeing issues, points out that, "During the school term, children are used to having their days structured and organised, being directed this way and that, and moving from one activity to another. One of the consequences of keeping kids busy and organised is that they have few opportunities to exercise their own initiative.

"With every moment accounted for, why would they need to give much thought to what they'll be doing next?"

Ms Rossmanith goes on to say, "When kids say 'I'm bored', they might actually mean, 'I don't know what to do with my time unless you organise me'.

"Our kids also live in a culture that encourages working towards goals and living life in a hurry. With focus on productivity, there is little or no time for meandering and gradual discovery. The added danger of technology all around us, is that kids are wired for fast-paced action and an overload of sensory input," says Rossmanith. "The result is, children are hurried and highly stimulated from an early age. When they say 'I'm bored', they might also mean 'I can't stop. Every moment must be filled with colour and action. I don't know anything else'."

ASG's General Manager, Development, Ms Frida Kordovoulos, says ASG is committed to helping families achieve positive education outcomes for their children at school and in the home.

While avoiding the computer or TV altogether during the school holidays isn't always feasible, Ms Kordovoulos says, "It's all about balance. Parents are able to use the "Mum, Dad I'm bored…" eguide to find new and interesting ways to get their children to fulfil their recommended minimum hour of exercise each day. Most of the ideas in the eguide have an educational aspect too, so parents can disguise learning within a fun activity."

The eguide is divided into ideas for at home, in the park or yard, around the neighbourhood and in the car.

Some ideas for days at home
Write and perform a play: the children can write the script together, then be assigned different roles such as actors, director, stage design and costume maker.
Get out a map of the world and take imaginary journeys by sticking a drawing pin into the map and then learning something about that country.

Some ideas for in the park or yard
Pitch a tent in the back yard - don't forget the torch and mosquito repellent.
Host a paper plane building and flying contest.
Many children think food comes from the supermarket. Plant a vegetable patch or herb garden and they can learn where it really comes from. Great fun and eventually delicious!

Some ideas for in and around the neighbourhood
Botanic gardens are always a fantastic place to take the kids. They can run around, feed the ducks or learn the Latin names for everyday plants. Don't forget some stale bread for the ducks, swans or geese.
Leave a trail of chalk arrows around your neighbourhood. Your kids get exercise as they follow them as well as learning about the local area with you acting as tour guide.

Some ideas for in the car
Make a list of 20 items likely to be seen on your trip e.g. petrol stations, police cars, fast food outlets. The children call out and cross the item from the list as they see each one. First to 20 wins.
Number plates: make up creatures from car number plates e.g. BDD could be "Big Dastardly Dragon".

ASG's "Mum, Dad, I'm Bored…" eguide can be viewed or downloaded at no cost at www.asg.com.au