During the summer months, families face the challenge of keeping kids occupied and well-fed, especially when routines are disrupted and kids are spending more time at home or eating outside. Dr Kirsty Porter from Nutrition4Kids believes this change in routine can lead to increased grazing habits and the need for budget-friendly, nutritious meal options for the whole family. Belfast-based Wee Chicks childcare and after-school club owner, Kelly Molloy has found through experience one of the primary challenges is finding activities that are not only fun but also beneficial for their children’s development.
Parents often seek opportunities to promote learning and social skills, which can be hard to find in activities that are also entertaining. Meanwhile, Little Scamps playgroup owner, Jenny Smyth said the summer stress is now amplified in Northern Ireland due to the continuous rising costs, making it far more difficult for parents to find things to do with their children. From makeshift games to spontaneous day trips, experts Dr Kirsty Porter, Jenny Smyth and Kelly Molloy have shared their top tips for keeping your children occupied throughout the summer: If you are wanting to limit eating out at restaurants, Ballymena based Dr Kirsty Porter (pictured) of Nutrition4Kids advised parents and guardians should get kids involved in baking or cooking.
She said: “Not only will your kids learn valuable cooking skills, but they'll also be more likely to try new foods when they've had .
