Save your Sanity during March Break
March break is around the corner. Here are some great tips to keep in mind.
Set a budget
Even if it’s not a vacation, but a staycation, it’s a good idea to ask yourself how much you plan on spending that week. For those who struggle to stay within budgets, take out the cash at the beginning of the week, then only use from that cash. When the cash runs out, stay in and draw from your family’s creativity. My daughter enjoys eating out. I usually ask my kids what they would like to do before their break. Sometimes it’s a breakfast out, a movie with a friend or a trip to the play-center. When possible, I narrow it down to two activities per child, I then space them out during the week.
Playdates
You know that friend your child keeps talking about? They play together at recess, hang out at lunch and make best friends forever cards with? Why not set up a playdate? This could be as simple as going out somewhere with the friend, or having them over. In-house play dates tend to work best at 2-3 hours. Any longer than that and coming up with new ideas and things for the children to do gets tricky unless of course the parent(s) are also friends, in which case time flies by.
Catching up
As much as kids dread to think about this, any extended time off from school is a really good chance to have them practice getting ahead in the subjects they might be lagging in. For younger kids, it might be as simple as practicing their reading and writing, or for older ones, their math or science skills.
Local attractions
Pick up a local parenting magazine, or newsletter, in the weeks leading up to the break and scope out what activities are going on. Bookstores often have special March break activities set up, as do libraries and community centers. Some restaurants too.
Think outside of the box
Sometimes cash needs to be spent elsewhere. Taking your kids to a movie theatre and spending over $15 each on movie tickets and concessions adds up fast. Head over to the local dollar store and pick up special popcorn bowls. Treat yourselves to a cinema experience. Get a movie, maybe from the local library, or from your favorite online movie streaming store. Spread blankets all over the room, dim (or turn off) the lights and make a big batch of microwave popcorn. Total cost: under $5.
There are a slew of ideas to keep yourself sane and your kids happy during March break. What are some of your family’s favorites?
