Spring is in the air and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors en famille. Jo Caruana chats to mum Nickie Vella De Fremeaux for inspiration on how a mother and her little ones can really enjoy their time together on the day.

With Mother’s Day looming, it is a time to try and get the whole family together. But, when little ones are involved, keeping them occupied for a family celebration can be a tad tricky, especially for those whose children tend to get bored easily.

This is something that mum-of-five Nickie Vella de Fremeaux knows all about. Her beautiful brood is aged between 11 and two, and spending a day together requires plenty of forethought to ensure each child is kept happy and occupied. Unless well prepared, the day might turn out not to be much of a holiday for the mother of lively young ones.

“I look forward to Sundays in general, because it’s wonderful not to have a routine to stick to,” says Nickie, who is also a lawyer. “I try to spend as much time with the children as possible whenever it is not a school day, and on a special occasion such as this it’s always such fun to come up with creative ideas.”

Of course there are challenges that come with having to entertain five children of varying ages, but Nickie takes it in her stride. “One of my favourite choices would be to get the whole family, including my husband Adrian, outdoors for some fresh air and fun in the sun. We like to take a long walk uphill from our home in Siġġiewi to Fawwara or Girgenti. I get a few complaints on the way up, but the zoom back down is always very popular! Sometimes it is the simplest things that the children are happiest with, such as all of us kicking a ball around the garden.”

Nickie Vella de Fremeaux with Benjamin, Nicholas, Christian, Alexandra and Francesca.

Throughout the scholastic year Nickie’s children are held to quite strict no-technology-on-school-night rules, but she relaxes that during on weekends. “When they’re off school they can agree on a film that we can all watch together, or we can play games on their tablets.

“And when we’re not in the mood for that, then we get crafty!” she says with a smile, referring to Sunday afternoons spent making plasticine or working with clay. Yes, you have to accept that the house is going to get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun. Mother’s Day should be a time when mother and children can relax and families can do the things they enjoy together. I am always so grateful to have this day with the children and I certainly plan on enjoying it!”

Sometimes it is the simplest things that the children are happiest with, such as kicking a ball around the garden

With all of Nickie’s ideas in mind, here’s some advice for keeping your little ones busy throughout the day.

Make a schedule. Sit the whole family down and plan your time through the day – whether that’s play dates, dinners out, family events or jobs that need to get done around the house. Take a couple of special requests from each of your children, such as picnics or time at their favourite places, so they’ll each have something to look forward to. Also encourage your children to keep a journal, as this will be a lovely reminder for them in the years to come.

Yes, it’s the holidays but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore anything educational. This could the ideal time to bring their curriculum to life, perhaps by visiting a relevant museum or historical site.

Turn off technology and get creative. The kids could set up a little treasure hunt with presents around the house or garden, or you can ask them to put on a play and invite other family members over for a ‘premiere’. Crafts also keep children occupied without the need for computers or video games.

“One craft that works well in our house is when the children decorate their own drinking glasses,” says Nickie. “I buy some plain beakers and some glass paint, and they each decorate their own however they like – which is ideal for engaging the different age groups. This way everyone gets their own glass to drink out of once they’re done, too.”

Alternatively, you can go in the opposite direction and plan a lazy ‘duvet day’ and get excited about it. Block off all your calendars and stay in your pyjamas from the moment you get out of bed to the moment it’s time to head back to bed! Make brunch together and snuggle up on the sofa to enjoy it, then watch your favourite family-friendly series or films, play board games and make crafts. For the ultimate indulgence, order a take away for dinner so no one has to cook!