Many working parents face the challenge of ensuring that their children are looked after, especially in the summer: The children are looking forward to the big vacations, but how should childcare be organized when parents have to work? . After all, there are more than 12 weeks of school holidays to cover over the course of a school year. So alternatives have to be found. Read here about the options for making this time fun for children.

Admittedly, it takes foresighted planning and a number of arrangements to organize vacation care well. There are various options, which can also be combined under certain circumstances.

Family

Grandparents, godparents or other relatives may be happy to look after the children for a certain period of time and spend time with them. Excursions and activities nearby can provide variety. There are often lots of child-friendly destinations to discover in the home country that are great fun for both sides.

Parent network

Have you ever thought about teaming up with one or two other families with children of the same age to take turns organizing childcare on a daily or weekly basis? If this could be a model for you, feel free to actively approach other parents. Families in your area are sure to have a similar problem and would be happy to find a solution together.

Holiday care at school

At many all-day elementary school in North Rhine-Westphalia, the providers organize a three-week childcare programme for part of the summer vacations. There are often also programs during the Easter and autumn vacations. The care has nothing to do with learning in the traditional sense. During the vacations, the main focus is on having fun together, playing, experimenting, exploring the surroundings or going on excursions together. If you would like to register your child for the childcare times, you should inform yourself in good time. Places are usually limited and in high demand.

Public vacation programs in the municipality

Many cities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer children active leisure activities during the vacations with reliable half-day or full-day childcare. The inexpensive programs invite children to play, run around, discover and explore - under the supervision and guidance of experienced educational professionals. The kids are among their peers, make new friends and experience adventures together. Find out about these offers in good time on the websites of your local town or via the press. Here, too, it pays to be quick. Popular activities are often booked up quickly.

Supervised children's camps and group trips

An alternative, which is sometimes associated with slightly higher costs, are children's and vacation camps lasting several days or weeks - with or without overnight stays. They are offered by various providers such as clubs, organizations and tour operators that specialize in children and young people. Whether soccer, tennis, adventure or research camps - there is a wide range of supervised offers, but they also come at a corresponding cost. The participation fee is usually based on the services provided by the organizer.

Employer-subsidized vacation care

Some employers also offer vacation courses or childcare options. Simply ask or find out more on your employer's intranet pages.