As the countdown to the long summer break begins, parents will be relieved to hear children choose a picnic (54%) or kick about in the park (45%) as their favourite summer holiday activities.
According to the new survey of English children conducted on behalf of leading parenting support charities, going to the cinema only interests 6% while shopping only appeals to 2% of credit crunched kids.
The survey unsurprisingly highlights that 83% of children get bored during the long summer break, but the good news for parents everywhere is that they cure their boredom with simple pleasures: Playing more (80%); enjoying the sun (61%) and spending time as a family (59%) are children's favourite things about the summer holidays. With nearly all (93%) saying they just want more mum and dad time.
Matt Buttery from Dad Talk, one of the charities that conducted the survey, explains: " Most of us have to work, and can't be with our children 24/7, but the simplest activities like a game of rounders in the park after work or a Saturday picnic will keep them entertained, help keep all the family fit and wear the kids out so they'll sleep like babies.”
The charities responsible for the research, including Gingerbread and Dad Talk have also produced some Free Summer Fun tips for parents to try this summer:
· Get started by finding out about any activities that are being run locally: your local newspaper, library or community centre should have details of these. Alternatively check out the supermarket notice board for details of any summer activities going on in your area.
· Try organising a garden picnic – create little invitations and invite your child’s friends along. Make party hats from newspaper and make miniature or interesting shaped sandwiches. Get kids to bring along favourite dolls and teddy bears to make it into a teddy bears picnic!
· Dads could always have a go at planning a mini sports day for your children, or holding their own mini Ashes or Wimbledon tournament in the garden or at your local park!
· Organise a talent show. Get your kids and their friends to make up dance routines to their favourite songs – you be the judge and award small prizes to the winners like a homemade certificate or rosette (you can get the younger kids to make these first).
· Get creative outdoors - Grab some crayons and paper and try making leaf or bark rubbings. It’s really simple and the kids will have a great time. You could even embark on a nature trail around garden or park and make a collage of leaves, flowers and feathers discovered on the way.
· It is important to remember that you do not need to fill every minute of every day, it will only exhaust you and the kids don’t need that much stimulation. If you work or have other commitments remember quality is more important than quantity.
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