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Half term, some parents love it, while others loathe it. I am not sure if it is the lack of routine or the need to occupy the children 24/7 but it doesn't need to be fraught, as the best thing is there is no school run!

So after chatting with some friends about what they have enjoyed this week, there are some that say the best thing about half term is the end of it but on the positive side, here are our top ten reasons to love half term.

1. No School Run. This really needs no further explanation but the thought of a few days without the mad morning dash and the questionable parking by the school gates, that inevitably leads to someone's wing mirror being clipped every day. Road rage, harrassed parents and a traffic warden is not an ideal combination before 9.00am.

2. Pyjama (or Onesie) Days. Having a lie in maybe an ask too far but what other excuse do you have not to get dressed till lunchtime .... or indeed at all.

3. Not having a schedule to keep to. Most mornings (and afternoons) are like a military operation in our house so not having to keep to any kind of schedule might mean that the days roll into one but it is lovely not to have to clock watch.

4. Having time off work. If you are a teacher, you benefit from enjoying the school holidays too or if you book time off to spend with the children, it can be a great way to escape the rat race and just enjoy your time together.

5. No packed lunches to make. I have to admit that I repeatedly try and get my daughter on hot dinners, especially in winter but apparently my lunches are better than school meals. I fear that this says more about the school meals than my packed lunch prowess! Either way, half term means no morning panic to create an appetising and healthy lunch that they "may" want to eat at lunchtime!

6. No more Groundhog day arguments. Brush your teeth. Get your shoes on. Have you got your bag. Where is your coat? Every. Single. Day.

7. Weekday movies. Films are always cheaper in the week, so it is the perfect time to take advantage of great prices and entertainment. (whilst trying to get the children past the popcorn and pix n mix without remortgaging your house). If you want to be even more frugal, you can just download a film at home and watch in your own lounge, just make sure you have a good TV stand to cope with the widescreen TV action.

8. Playing games. Whether it is Pictionary, board games or good old fashioned lego, having the time to sit and play with the children is a great way to reconnect with them .... and your inner child.

9. Enjoying time. With the madness of the daily school routine, the after school clubs, homework, bath, bedtime stories, there is rarely a chance to take time and out actually just enjoy spending time with those little people that you brought into the world. So just enjoy the time.

10. No School Run ..... Oh did I mention this already?? 

Would you add anything to the list?

Thank you so much to the lovely Emma, Andrea, Rebecca, Cat, Jen, Helen, Cas, Sarah, Anya, Helen, Vanessa, Penny, Alice, Annie, Angie, Joy and Cass for a great debate about what is to love and loathe abotu half term!

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Homebase.