Easter Holiday Survival Guide

With the Easter Holidays upon us parents are feeling that curious mix of emotions - excitement to have their little ones to themselves with relaxed mornings, no longer rushing to get ready and out of the house so as not to be late for schools and nurseries, mixed with sheer horror at having the kids all to themselves, to keep them entertained, busy and happy. We frantically fill up the diaries with play dates, outings, activities and try and make the time pass seamlessly. 

So when I was told about SnapperTime it definitely made my heart soar a little. We try and limit screen time to weekends but when faced with the holidays this goes a little out of the window to save some sort of sanity. SnapperTime is a new website encouraging kids to turn off the TV and computer games and embark on creative challenges, upload their pictures and earn rewards. What could be better than tricking your children into thinking they are having a real screen time treat and it actually sparking their creativity at the same time, igniting their imaginations, keeping them busy and buying you a little bit of quiet time. My little man is fully emerged in the world of Superheroes currently and so was over the moon to see that there was a Super Hero category full of wonderful challenges. With other categories such as Super Science, Great Outdoors, Tasty Tasks and Arty Farty, there is something for every child to get them excited, and wanting to enter a world of pure imagination. Be sure to stock up on all the bits you need pre the challenge so your kid is well equipped to get creating!

Some other saviors this Easter Holidays that I’m relying on are: 

Kidoo: Amazing things to do with kids - This Facebook group is incredibly useful when stuck for a plan. I have discovered so many hidden gems in London from being a member, and have at times been stuck for a plan on a rainy day and found recommendations from this group really helped out a cooped up family to get out and have some fun. 

Hoop App: Having two children with a few years between them, this app is fantastic as it offers me local activities that suit both children. From music classes to one-off events I always keep an eye out on here if I'm stuck for inspiration. 

Willows Farm: If you are North London based this place is kiddie heaven. Whatever the weather there is tons to do to have a fun family day out. A MASSIVE soft play area, indoor slides, pretend play houses, a room full of peddle tractors, an ice rink, fairground rides, bouncy castles (weather permitting) and trampolines, to name a few of the attractions, as well as the animals too, there is so much to do to get your kids running around and using up all that incredible energy they have from the moment they wake up. I always love making the trip to go here at Christmas, Halloween and Easter as they go all out to celebrate these fun festivals and add to the magic of experiencing them as children. With an Easter Egg Hunt, the chance to meet the Easter Bunny and even pig racing, this is a wonderful way to spend a day over the holidays.

Fellow parents may you go forth and survive the holidays. We are in the very serious throes of 'threenager' coupled with early terrible twos with the little one soI'mm going to be stocking up on the wine, our KeepEmQuiet packs which are great for rainy days as well as travel and holidays, and praying for some nice weather and lots of park days.

Good luck one and all!

Carly

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