How To Navigate Kids’ Holiday Clubs When You Are Away
‘Please, can I come back tomorrow?’
These are the words all parents want to hear when they pick up their little ones from holiday kids’ clubs. We all dream of holidays where kids are happy and entertained, and parents can relax and make the most of their time away.
Most family hotels offer some kind of childcare, but if you are new to the resort and trying to find your feet it can be hard to know where to start, and what questions to ask. Having just returned from Mark Warner’s Lemnos Village Resort on the Greek island of Lemnos, where we stayed with our two daughters, aged seven and 10, we spoke to Alexis Hansell, Childcare Manager, for her advice around navigating holiday clubs when you are away.
Settling nerves
It is usual for children to feel nervous, but the best childcare providers will always go out of their way to settle any nerves.
‘For parents, knowing that all our staff are highly trained and experienced when working with children,’ Alexis explains. ‘We have safety rules and regulations to ensure their child is always safe. This includes things such as a password system for picking up their child. Every group has a plan which will allow the parent to see what their child will be getting up to. The clubs are also extremely flexible parents can drop and pick up their children whenever they want.’
The clubs are run by experienced nannies and kids activity leaders, so they will be very used to nervous children and know how to calm them in this situation.
She adds: ‘We also allow children to bring comforters and toys which may help when settling an uneasy child.’
We were all impacted by the pandemic, and the Mark Warner staff have noticed the most change in their smallest guests.
‘Covid babies are now as old as two or three years. They missed out on things such as nursery and baby groups which means that leaving parents and being in a group with other children can sometimes be a lot for them. However, the club is a great way to get them used to it, and usually, by the end of the holiday, they are totally happy and content.’
Over the past two summers, they have found that older children have appreciated more social contact.
Building confidence
There is a lot to be gained from a successful week or two joining activities with the kids’ club.
‘Holiday clubs allow children to experience different activities they may not do at home. It also places them with other children their own age,’ she says. ‘This helps them to socialise, play and enjoy new experiences on their own, without mum or dad showing that they can do new things alone to boost their confidence and independence.’
At Mark Warner, older children from 10 upwards – with the consent of parents and guardians – are able to sign themselves in and out of the club.
‘This allows the children to control what they do on their holiday to ensure they have the best time,’ Alexis adds. ‘We also have an Indy Club, which is from ages 14- 17 years – this gives teenagers the chance to meet others their age who they can hang out with. Indy Club is run by a leader who encourages them to play games and chill out, but in general, it helps teenagers feel independent while still doing something productive.’
It can help younger children feel more comfortable with different caregivers.
‘If your child is used to specific adults such as Mum, Dad, Granny. etc. – this helps to socialise them with other adults which may help with the transition to nursery or school.’
They will always ensure that every activity is safe and accessible.
‘ We have measures in place to ensure this. For example, if your child is not a strong swimmer or is under seven, we provide confidence jackets which allow all children to enjoy the water in a safe environment.’
Questions to ask
What should parents think about when booking kids’ holiday clubs and childcare on holiday?
- Is the child happy being in groups of children without parents?
- Is their child active and social, e.g. likes to play with other children and do sports such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking etc.
- How much time would they like to spend with their child – the kids club at Mark Warner, for example, are designed for children to be left so that parents can have a break too – if they want to spend the whole time with their children, maybe the club is not suitable for them?
- Do the parents want a break?
- Do children want to make new friends? For example, if they are an only child, club is a great way to make new friends and relationships with other families, which can turn into lifelong bonds.
As well as asking these questions, never be afraid to ask holiday kids’ club leaders and nannies, who should always go out of their way to answer questions and ensure that you and your child are happy. Then all that should be left for any parent or carer is to put their feet up and have a great time!
- Accommodation for 7-nights at Lemnos Village Resort in a Twin room (plus cot) on Half Board basis + afternoon childcare for six days, for two adults & an infant (under two years), prices start from £1,808.00, including return charter flights from Gatwick departing 29th September.
