Get your kids motivated this new year

As a busy mum-of-three kids - a 10-year-old son, 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old daughter, the new year can be a bit of a shock to the system! It is quite a challenge getting back into a routine after the long Christmas break - my 3-year-old was off nursery school for a whole three weeks and my son was starting to get bored at home. I do prefer being back in a routine but it takes me a few days to get used to the challenge of getting three kids up, fed and dressed and two of them ready for school.

One of the latest parenting topics we in the press office at Parentline Plus have been looking at is getting kids motivated after this long Christmas break. Let's face it - we can all feel a bit sluggish after time off work and some slightly lazier days than usual, combined with a perhaps not overly healthy diet of rich festive food! This can leave parents and kids feeling tired and a bit demotivated.

One of the tips we have picked up from parents who have contacted us in the past is to make sure you get back into a routine and have a cut off time when things like the TV, computer or mobile phone are switched off so the kids can wind down for the evening. You could also talk to your kids about potential new activities they could get involved with to occupy their time, whether that be reading, spending quality time with the family watching a DVD or joining the local cubs group.

It's also a good idea to give encouragement and show appreciation of their achievements, whether great or small, so you can help build their confidence. Last but not least, some good wholesome food or snacks can help give an energy and brain boost to kids and also to us stressed out parents.

For more tips on a range of parenting issues, log on to www.parentlineplus.org.uk.