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Engaging Your Child at Home During School Breaks

  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

As the holiday season approaches, many parents find themselves searching for meaningful ways to engage their children during school breaks. In a recent podcast episode, Jennifer Carter, the CEO and Executive Director of Oak Tree Learning Centers, shares valuable insights on fostering creativity and collaboration with your kids at home. Here are five practical tips to make the most of your time together and create lasting memories.


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1. Encourage Imagination Through Conversation

One of the most powerful ways I engage children is through simple conversation. I always tell parents: talk to your kids about their ideas, even the wild ones. If your child says they want to build a rocket to Mars, lean into it. Ask questions, brainstorm together, sketch out what the spaceship might look like, or build a 3D model from things you already have at home.


These conversations spark creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. They strengthen your connection as you work side by side on something meaningful.


2. Make Time for Fun

I encourage parents to let themselves be playful with their kids. Dance with them. Cook with them. Play games. Go to the mall to people-watch and talk about what you see.


Some of my favorite memories with my son Ian were our mall trips. We’d sit with pretzels and talk about everything happening around us. Those moments turned into rich vocabulary lessons and even richer memories.


3. Be Mindful of Budget

  • I know budgets matter, especially now. That’s why I remind parents that meaningful experiences don’t require spending a lot.


  • Use what you already have. Turn old grocery bags into homemade wrapping paper. Repurpose household items for crafts and projects.


  • These activities save money, but they also teach children creativity, resourcefulness, and the value of making something with their own hands.


4. Create Together

Whenever possible, bring your child into the process of creating things for home decorations, gifts, holiday projects, or anything.


Build a gingerbread house out of cardboard. Make a simple centerpiece together. Let them help design it, build it, break it, and redo it.


The pride children feel when they show their work to family is priceless. These collaborative moments build confidence, teamwork, and joy.


5. Utilize Resources at Hand

And finally, use the resources that are already available to you. Pinterest, YouTube, and even AI tools can spark ideas and help you plan activities.


Look around your home for items you can reuse: cardboard, fabric scraps, leftover art supplies. Repurposing materials not only saves money but also builds creativity and teaches kids about sustainability.


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Incorporating these five tips into your family’s routine can transform school breaks into exciting opportunities for collaboration and creativity. By encouraging conversations, embracing fun, being mindful of budget, creating together, and utilizing available resources, you can foster a nurturing environment that promotes growth and connection. Remember, the time spent together is what truly matters, and the memories you create will last a lifetime.


Looking for More Hands-On Ideas?

Here is a short list of videos with creative, easy activities you can do with your child during the holidays.

Here are a few to get you started:


Try them out and let me know which one your child enjoyed the most!

 
 
 

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