Let your kids play

Sayeh Woodman -

sayehwoodman@outlook.com -

With the summer holidays looming not long now at all, can’t believe were half way through to the year already.

Muscat is certainly a place that should be explored and enjoyed outside. What would be more relaxing than to be sitting on your patio with a cuppa in the morning whilst the kids play in the sunshine, or doing activities on the beach? Make the most of the great outdoors. Here are a few ideas for fun afternoons together in the garden. And these make great homemade gifts for a special family occasion. Grandma would love the homemade perfume.

Rose petal perfume

This has stood the test of time as a firm favourite with little princesses everywhere and on the other scale, gifts for Grandma – so long as you don’t mind sacrificing a couple of rose blooms for there greater good.

Pick off the heads and let your kids collect as many petals to fill half a jam jar, being careful to avoid thorns, then add water. Let the kids mix and smash up the concoction with a stick or wooden spoon. When they have happily finished mixing, there’s is no time limit, so let them have a good play and bash, put the lid on and leave to develop overnight.

The following day, pour the precious perfume in to a bottle, which can then be decorated with ribbon and sparkles.

Treasure hunt

Treasure hunt is a great way to entertain your kids while you on the other hand get a few moments of peace.

Children can rant on and on about things that get them excited, to assign them task where they will be busy would definitely work wonders for both you and the kids.

Chocolate coins are great treats. You can either scatter them in the garden or even inside the house. Tell your kids how many they need to find – nice and easy.

Or you can go a step further and make it a really good treasure hunt by burying a chest or box of chocolate coins somewhere in the garden. Draw a simple map of dotted lines and garden landmarks so they know where to look. Give the map to your little pirates to start the search.

Pebble painting

This extends the afternoon to a whole day out.

In the morning you can go to the beaches and pick and find shells and pebbles. Collect some flat pebbles while you’re on the beach. Place some newspaper in the lawn with the washed pebbles and some paints and let your kids, dress in old clothing, get creative with out worrying about the mess.

Felt tips are also a good alternative on lighter colour stones

Kids garden

You have your own garden to look after, why not them have there’s.

Set aside part of a flowerbed or get them a trough. It’s great for them to have something to look after and nurture.

They will love to sow the seeds. Have them try growing tomatoes. They’re always a good one for children, along with small seedling flowers.

Your kids can also make little signs out of lolly stick s and pens. Add a windmill, seashells the painted pebbles perhaps to make their garden look alive.

This time of year doesn’t have to be stressful, enjoy the time off with your children. Cut this out and save for the summer break!