Autumn term is the longest term of the academic year. By the time children finish this term they will have gone through hours of studying, learning and performance pressure which can leave them fatigued, stressed or anxious. That is why using the winter holidays for relaxing and mindful activities is hugely beneficial to your child’s mental wellbeing as well as providing a good way to prepare them for the Spring term.
Often children try to find relaxation in front of mobile phones, gaming consoles, laptops or television. Little do they know, however, that excessive consumption of technology can have the exact opposite effect on them.
Spending time together as a family is a great way to counterbalance the use of too much technology. Here are some activities we suggest the whole family can get behind.
Make the most of Museums
With the cold and rainy weather outside, winter is the perfect month to visit some of the UK’s greatest Museums. While you might have already been to The British Museum or The National History Museum, why not consider some that are not as obvious but no less fun. Below are a few we have personally visited and recommend.
London Transport Museum
A very interactive museum, London Transport Museum is geared to welcome younger visitors by telling the history of London and its transport in a fun manner.
V&A Museum of Childhood
This museum offers a great experience to connect our children to toys of the past, present and possible future. The V&A Museum of Childhood
Roald Dahl Museum
As one of our favourite museums, the Roald Dahl Museum aimed at ages 6 to 12 allows children to look back at Dahl’s life and (re)discover his stories.
Taking a Winter Walk
We all know the befits of physical activity and the importance of instilling the love for the outdoors in our children. Choosing the right route is the most important thing to consider when teaching youngsters the benefits of the great outdoors. Think practical, fun and simple. Make sure to choose a route you know your children can complete before they get bored.
Finally, enjoy being outside with your family. Participate in finding animal tracks, looking for sticks and stones to collect or puddles to play in.
The Thrill of the Theatre
One way to make Christmas truly magical and invoke love for the arts in children at the same time is to visit a Christmas show. Produced and directed with children in mind, theatre productions are fun for the whole family and there are some stunning productions playing in theatres all over London.
There are, of course, many more activities that families can enjoy together without the need of technology or screens. You might want to try organising a board game tournament with prizes for winners, or get crafty by making snow globes, festive buntings or even giving homemade Christmas crackers a go. Whatever you choose, however, doing it together as a family will contribute to not only your child’s overall happiness but also will facilitate relaxation, and mental preparation for next year.
We wish you a very happy festive season.
This article from Dilara Cabuk at at London-based education consultant, Gabbitas, first appeared in the December 2019 edition of Battersea & Wandsworth Life
