Thrusday, December 24, 1998
Activities dampen kids' winter whines
BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Whether they're with their parents at work, with grandparents at home, or off in a day camp program, some children are finding that waiting for Christmas and New Year's is a lot easier when there's something to do.
Many parents, as well as grandparents like Liberty Township resident Bonnie Connor, are pulling out all the stops during these two weeks when their children and grandchildren are on winter break.
“Well, my daughter and her husband work, so the girls get dropped off at my house in the morning and we take it from there,” Mrs. Connor, 58, said of her two granddaughters — Halle, 7, and Jessica, 6.
After two days of cookie baking and cake making, Mrs. Connor treated her granddaughters and two of their friends to a showing of A Bug's Life.
Leaving Springdale's Showcase Cinemas Wednesday afternoon, Halle, Jessica and their friends Katie, 6, and Ashley, 7, giggled and joked about scenes from the popular animated movie.
“If I wasn't here I'd probably be at home watching Rugrats or something,” Jessica said. “I like being at my grandma's house. She's fun.”
“I know they're anxious for Santa and I know that it can get pretty boring when there's nothing to do, so I'm trying to entertain them as best I can,” Mrs. Connor said.
The holiday break also is a busy time for 11-year-old J.D. Silva.
The West Chester boy v went to work Wednesday with his mother, Danetta Silva, at the Tri-County Sportsplex in Forest Park.
“When he comes in he plays games. Sometimes his friends come with him and I order a pizza and they have a little party or something. But today I'm putting him to work,” Ms. Silva said.
A private company that oversees various sports leagues, the Sportsplex schedules games and rents practice space.
“By five, six o'clock you won't be able to walk in this place, it'll be so full,” Ms. Silva said.
About 3 p.m. Wednesday, four teen boys scrambled around a basketball court, while in the video game area J.D. read a magazine, waiting until it was time to start work at the concession stand.
“If I wasn't here I'd probably be with some of my friends,” J.D said, adding that they'd more than likely be playing cards or other games.
“Usually, I trade off with a friend of mine,” Ms. Silva said. “She has a son and she and I take turns when they're off from school. It's just easier that way during a time like this.”
For those parents who can't take their kids to work or don't have friends or relatives who can watch them, there are daytime programs offered by the YMCA.
At the Powel Crosley Jr. branch in Springfield Township, about 20 children ages 6-12 are participating in a 10-day camp that started Monday.
It costs about $107 for members and $127 for non-members, said Sheila Hinton, a supervisor.
“Each day the kids get to do different things,” she said. “Some days they do a lot of arts and crafts; other days are mainly sports activities.”
Every day, though, the children remain active, getting to swim in the indoor pool, play games or socialize.
“We know that there are some parents who still have to go to work even now when the kids are off from school, so this is just a service we provide,” Ms. Hinton said. “The kids are here from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.''
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