10 top tips for fun with the kids

Looking to introduce some old fashioned fun into your kids' lives but not sure where to start?

Snazaroo has teamed up with parenting expert Judy Reith to bring you ten quick fixes to help you make the most of your time together over the summer holidays.

1. Build in some downtime

   Remember you need a break just as much as the children. Plan out the summer activities on a chart with your kids, but be sure to build some time in for you too. Play dates can be a big help, or better still explain to your kids when you need some space to be on your own — just a five minute breather can help.

2. Keep the activities age appropriate

   Your kids are a whole year older this summer, so what was a big hit last year might not have the same appeal now. Think about how you can keep activities fresh and age appropriate. Have lots of fun with toddlers for free using junk modelling, water play and trips to the local park. Meanwhile, put older children and teenagers in charge of planning and budgeting for days out. Make sticking to the budget more of a challenge by leaving the credit card at home and using only the allotted amount of cash.

3. Let your hair down

   Now's the chance to relax and release your inner-child. It can be hard to make time to play, but it's one of the most precious things you can do for your children. As a child, what did you love to do? You might not be a budding David Beckham or want to dress up, but give it go. Your kids will love to see you let your hair down and it's a great way to create happy memories for you and them.

4. Get creative

   Research shows kids should really only have two hours or less a day of ANY screen — be it TV or computer. So instead of resorting to TV or video games to keep them entertained, stock up on art materials or better still some face paints, which offer some real quality bonding time between you and your child, and are a great aid to role play.

5. Make full use of local resources

   Visit your local council's website or library for plenty of free ideas for families and children. Look online at parenting web sites and blogs, ask your friends and get older kids to help with the research too.

6. Plan ahead

   For maximum fun with minimum cost, aim for something that will keep most of you happy, most of the time; and if days out tend to make you feel stressed, focus on how you WANT the day to go, and discuss it with your children. No one will want you to be anxious and irritable, least of all you, so a bit of planning beforehand should mean that the smile for the photo will be genuine.

   Picnics can be good failsafe fun — especially if you get the children to help shop and make the picnic, which helps reduce the risk of them rejecting your sandwiches!

7. Get active

   The summer's a great time to dust off the trainers and go for a run or play a game in the park together. Alternatively, borrow the nearest friendly dog and go for a family walk, or if you've a garden, why not set up an obstacle course with old bric-a-brac, but remember to join in the race too!

8. Restock the toy chest

   Why wait until it's party time to buy a new game or get out the face paints? The holidays are the perfect opportunity to clear out old toys or games, and replace them with new finds from the charity shop or swap with friends. Have a think about what you used to love to play with when you were their age — and introduce some old traditional board games or toys into the mix.

9. Go green

   Have you noticed how much is on offer to help all of us get better at recycling or green living so our grandchildren can enjoy our planet too? As well as being good for the environment it can be great fun for the kids too. Separating and sorting the recycling can be turned into a good game or you could encourage them to take on their own bit of the garden for a veg patch.

10. Set boundaries

    The best way to make your kids happy is to simply have fun with them and give them some of your time. If you work, get clear about your boundaries — are you available 24/7 if your boss needs you? Who's really in charge of your time? It's not always easy but try to leave work on time as often as you can and then set some regular play hours aside for the kids — not for the day to day stuff, just pure unadulterated fun. No matter how tired you are after work, you will be surprised how these hours help you switch off from the office and leave you feeling rewarded and exhilarated.

To find out more about Judy, her coaching classes for mum and dads or her new book 'Teach Yourself Motherhood', visit www.parentingpeople.co.uk.