Don’t overschedule! 
The solution for some harried parents is to go into overdrive and start organising schedules of gruelling intensity. The aim being to pack in as much activity as possible from dawn to dusk (e.g. Drop Jane at tennis, trudge through the traffic to collect Hubert from swimming while frantically on the mobile arranging a play date for Little Molly). It’s high energy, high stress and potentially the stuff of ulcers. 

Additionally, this sort of behaviour has a cascade effect. Parents already drowning in a sea of conflicting advice see the bright kids from down the road being trotted from one venue to the next and are uneasy and guiltridden because it’s noon and their own progeny has not descended from bed to floor yet. It may well be that said progeny has been reading a good book with a flashlight under the blankets at midnight and has increased points on their IQ as a consequence. However, to the over anxious parent, such lateness is indicative of sloth, and sloth is the first step on the road to ruin. 

Don’t understimulate! 
On the other hand there are parents who feel that unfettered use of the remote control and a Sky digi-box should be all young hearts and brains desire. Pasty faces, dark hollows under eyes and being fully conversant with the plot of "Neighbours" might seem a small price to pay for childhood contentment. The only problem is that even the most ardent young T.V. enthusiast can eventually become bored and what then? There’s no point in moaning that they should be able to entertain themselves if they are totally out of practice. 

There is a fine balance between providing stimulation and letting children fill their own time. Children must be given the chance to organise themselves, carry a project through themselves even it is seems trivial to you. There is also a big difference between providing stimulation and arranging activities with the sole purpose of keeping them out of your hair. Children aren’t fools. They know the difference. 

Don’t put square pegs in round holes
If the demands of working life mean that your children need to be entertained by others during their holidays, sit down, and listen carefully to how your kids want to spend their time and tailor the plans accordingly. There is no sense in sending Little Johnny off to a day camp with round the clock sporting activities if he loathes sport and spends most of his time engrossed in a good book or in front of the computer. You run the risk of making him unhappy, and resentful. Be sensible and sensitive. Bear in mind that children like most inhabitants of the twenty first century, get stressed. Most importantly, know that the time, effort and respect you show by allowing them input will be remembered long after your bank account has recovered from the blow to it’s balance. (None of these activities come cheap). 

Do enjoy the time!
If you are in the enviable position of being able to stay at home with your children over this period see it as a boon, not a blow. Holidays are potentially a time when families can bond. Picnics in parks, lazy long lunches, trips to the seaside, museums, trips to the zoo, long, long walks, playing hide and seek, are all potentially jolly things to do. Time is suddenly no longer at a premium. The pace of life slows. This is the stuff of good memories to tide the family through tougher times in the future. 

Do give children space
Make sure everyday is not crammed with activity. Children need quiet time to think, read and just to "be." Again it is a question of picking up cues and being aware of their needs. Don’t assume that just because they’re kids they don’t have an important agenda. 

Spend time together
If you had only one thing to give to your child, the greatest thing would be your time. They really need you at any age, even if they fight those hugs. Always add laughter, it’s so healing and good for the soul. If you’ve had a busy schedule send them a card in the mail, kids love getting mail. Come home for lunch a few times a year to make them feel special. Tell them that their important and don’t think that they should know it. They need to hear it!! What’s important is the well being of your children because soon they’ll be out on their own, time goes by so fast.