Drivers will notice a big change in the traffic pattern beginning Friday. The big yellow school buses will be nowhere in sight. That’s right, despite the deep snow on the ground, it is March Break Time for all elementary and secondary school students! The break begins on Friday, March 8 this year, with the children returning to school on Monday, March 18.

This is always a time of the year when the creative skills of parents are put to the test. While most parents must still attend to their work responsibilities, children are left to discover their own entertainment - a skill which has all but become extinct during this day and age as adults continue to step in and “organize” everything from hockey to snowshoeing into major undertakings.

You have all of the usual options to consider when it comes to selecting worthwhile activities for your children next week. A day downhill or cross-country skiing at Capreol would be good. You can always take in a movie or two in Sudbury. The always popular day at Science North with ten thousand other kids is something that every parent looks forward to. The Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre offers public swimming times and I am sure the local arenas will still be providing public skating sessions. The Valley East Youth Centre is open during the week for kids to “hang out” and take part in a variety of group activities. There are several outdoor rinks in operation which will certainly entertain five-hour long pick-up hockey games all during the holiday. Wagon rides, horseback riding and sleigh rides are offered by a couple of local facilities. Then, of course, there has to be some time spent at the indoor fun zone and the ever popular trip to the mall with the friends. You know, how one parent loses the flip and is forced to drive six high-energy teens around from shopping centre to shopping centre, trying to avoid recognition.

Make sure that your children reserve some time for just relaxing and reading during the week. Spend several hours at the public library getting acquainted with the facility. Use the computer system and check out the videos. Take out a few books and curl up for a few hours a day, just reading for enjoyment - imagine, no book reports to write out.