By Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Phew! It’s been a huge year. We’ve faced the COVID-19 pandemic with grit and resilience, but there’s no doubt that all the changes to our daily lives have taken a toll on us and our children.
I don’t know how things are going at your house, but my little ones are tired and emotional. They’re arguing even more than usual (I can’t believe that’s even possible!) and they cry at the drop of a hat. I feel like we’re all hanging on by a thread and counting down the days until the holidays! We can’t wait for a break from routine and to hang out in our jammies all day if we feel like it.
We’re lucky because my husband is a teacher, so he’ll be on holidays as soon as school lets out and he can keep my seven-year-old busy. But my four-year-old twins who are still in preschool are already asking why they need to keep going when Dad and Big Sis are on holidays. The answer is that Dad needs a breather after a draining work year – but try to explain that to little ones!
For parents who have to work right up to Christmas, the juggle is even harder. What are they meant to do with their school children between the end of school and the beginning of Christmas holidays?!
I have some great news for all you depleted parents out there: Our centres have a range of programs and activities to keep children of all ages entertained and happy in the lead-up to Christmas, whether your little ones already attend or you’re thinking about enrolling them. Here are three ways we have your back this December…
1. School holiday care for school-aged children
Not sure what to do with your primary-aged children while you’re at work once school lets out? Send them to your local centre for school holiday care! If they used to attend the centre or have younger siblings who still do, they’ll be super-excited to go to vacation care there.
Even if they’re new to the centre, they’re sure to love the age-appropriate activities that are designed to keep them learning and having fun.
Our vacation care programs include indoor and outdoor play, convenient drop-off and pick-up hours for working parents, delicious meals at many centres and affordable fees that are eligible for Child Care Subsidy.
Click here to find a centre near you that offers school holiday care.
2. Special activities and crafts
We’ve been very busy dreaming up extra exciting and engaging activities to keep kids happy in the last month of a crazy year. Each morning, the caring educators will welcome the children with a new timetable of fun! We’ve organised some fantastic holiday craft activities, fun games, catchy songs and so much more.
But our team also knows that a predictable routine is essential to help children feel safe and secure, so they’ll be sticking to the familiar structure of the day.
3. Cultural celebrations
We care deeply about honouring children’s cultural backgrounds and holiday traditions. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or another event, our centres organise festivities to celebrate these special occasions. Children are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their culture, share photos of their families and sing songs that are close to their hearts.
We love enjoying festive feasts with special menus, and participating in special themed activities, all designed to inspire and entertain your children right until the end of the year.
If there’s anything else our team can do to support your family and your child’s wellbeing as the year winds down, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s educators or your centre manager.
Click here to find out more about our school holiday care program or find out more about enrolling in 2021.
Our team wishes your family safe, healthy and happy holidays. We look forward to seeing you again in 2021!