As we approach the end of the school summer holidays, you may be running out of ideas for keeping the kids entertained.
There's nothing worse than a house of bored children who start to tail you around the house looking for things to do and expecting you to have all the answers. We all need some time to ourselves, whether the kids are at school or on holiday. We also need the freedom to spend time with our partner, or browsing dating sites and getting out and about if we're single parents. For a bit more time, happier children and a happier household, here are a few holiday distractions you may not have tried yet,
Activity WeeksSports centres and similar establishments offer wonderful summer programmes known as activity weeks. These work rather like school - you drop the kids off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. Simple. And if it's a particularly sporty week, the kids will come back too tired to find the energy to be bored in the evenings! There's a whole range of these to be found around and about. Cookery courses, arts and crafts - whatever the kids are into, you'll be able to find something for them.
Day TripsIf activity weeks don't fit the bill, why not arrange a series of day trips? The zoo, the seaside, the local farm, a day in the countryside, or whatever else you can come up with. The kids will be distracted, and in the meantime you can have some time to relax.
Family VisitsIf your family members are always complaining that they don't see your children enough, the summer holidays are the perfect time to fulfil their wishes. Pack your kids off to Wales to visit the grandparents or accompany them to Scotland to visit an aunt - a change of scenery never did anyone harm, and it will certainly keep the children occupied.
Back-to-school ShoppingAlthough you may be dreading this particular event, dragging out the back-to-school shopping could provide hours of distraction for the kids. Spend a whole day leisurely picking out new uniforms, and then set a separate shopping trip aside for stationery. This will turn the manic last-minute shop into days of calm entertainment for all of you.
Extra LessonsIf your kid has a hobby they are particularly fond of, now's the time to indulge them. Splash out for extra horse-riding lessons or piano tuition - not only will they be ecstatic, but they certainly won't be bored anymore. You'll also be able to enjoy a few peaceful hours while they're at the lessons.
Whether you're a single parent dating in Liverpool with eHarmony or a married couple celebrating an anniversary, we all need time away from the kids. With these distractions you'll find some solace and some very happy children as the summer holidays draw to a close.
Photos © http://www.flickr.com/photos/aidanmorgan/3709199304/ and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2522498597/sizes/l/in/photostream/
August 2011 | 
Dating and Relationship Advice for Single Mums
