Hints and tips to support parents in the run up to and during the summer holidays.

Don't try and fill every minute of every day, it will only exhaust you and the kids don't need that much stimulation. If you work or have other commitments remember quality is more important than quantity.

Look for what childcare options are available in your area. Some parents share childcare with friends, relatives and each other, whilst others balance it with kids' clubs and family centres. A variety of options makes child care more flexible for you.

Just relax and try and enjoy it yourself, it's your holiday too. Don't feel guilty if you pack the kids off for the day, or get a sitter in for a night out. Other adults can bring in fresh entertainment for the kids too and it gives everyone a break.

Give your kids a chance to get bored. How many times do you hear kids whining, "I'm bored"? It's okay for them to get bored! Give their imaginations a chance to come up with ideas to fill in those long hours. If you are trying to balance the needs of a range of ages get them to come up with ideas - have a family meeting to decide.

Make sure that young people get unstructured chill-out time. They need it as much as adults. They aren't being aimless or lazy if they spend their free time hanging around, watching TV, playing on the computer, listening to music - or even not getting out of bed until lunchtime!

Don't expect your teenager to want to spend the whole holidays playing happy families. They may well want to spend time doing their own thing, but may be happy enough to spend a day or two with the family.

If you have to leave your older children alone for any period give them clear instructions about what to do if there is a problem. Leave a list of people you trust who they can go to.

Plan contact arrangements, ensure regular contact or just simply take time out to talk. For separated parents and their children the lack of routine, separate holidays, or not seeing a parent at all can be difficult.

For separated parents and their children the lack of routine, separate holidays, or not seeing a parent at all can be difficult. Late nights and long lazy days are what holidays are all about but try and ease them back into routine as the holiday comes to an end. That way, bedtimes won't be such a struggle when they do go back to school.