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WONDERING how to keep your kids entertained during half term? Worry not, you’ve found the perfect solution.
Thanks to a woman named Katie Applegarth, here’s a clever idea that will help you enjoy some peace and quiet while your kids are off school.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids occupied during the school holidays, we have some great suggestions.Credit: tiktok/@katieapplegarth
Katie Applegarth shared her ingenious hack on social media.Credit: tiktok/@katieapplegarth
Not only will you be able to relax with a cup of tea (or something stronger if you prefer), but your dinner will be prepared without you having to lift a finger – yes, you read that right.
Posting online, she revealed her tip for mothers “running low on energy, patience, and fresh activity ideas.”
Demonstrating her “sneaky parenting win that allows you to unwind” during half term, Katie explained: “I told the girls we were doing something fun today – they could pick a recipe for dinner and dessert.
“They got right to it, flipping through the recipes as if they were auditioning for Junior MasterChef.”
While shopping for ingredients, Katie continued: “They gathered everything they needed, double-checked the list, and we scanned it all at the checkout.”
Upon returning home, the mother beamed: “We got back, and I relaxed while they took over the kitchen.”
“They prepared the entire meal, from start to finish, while I enjoyed my cup of tea, watching dinner come together without lifting a finger.
“They thought they were engaging in a fun adult activity, but in reality, it was a full-blown cooking lesson in disguise.
“Every pot and pan in the kitchen was used, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be scraping cheese off the stove for weeks!”
In addition to a delicious pasta dish, Katie’s children also made cupcakes.
The mother added: “After making the macaroni cheese, they tackled the cakes, which was less organized but just as chaotic.”
Showing off the delightful two-course meal, Katie exclaimed: “Overall, it was a tremendous success.”
More Parenting Hacks
IF you want to simplify your life as a new mom, here are nine hacks you won’t want to overlook.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use images and stickers to make them engaging for young children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal preparation to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep some toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. They’re effective and keep harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can choose an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilize educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child enjoys.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command center with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organized and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
Parents React
Katie’s video, posted under the username @ katieapplegarth , has clearly astonished many, as parents eagerly rushed to the comments to commend her ingenious hack.
It’s wonderful to see kids cooking at home. It’s an essential life skill.
One person remarked: “I love this! The girls will have acquired so many valuable skills.”
Another added: “What a fantastic idea!”
A third simply commented: “So
