Why holiday activities are better with a friend

You've found the perfect holiday activity. It's close by, it's the right age group, and it's exactly the kind of thing your child loves. Then comes the question: "Is anyone I know going?"

If the answer is no, a lot of kids lose interest on the spot. That's not fussiness. For children, who is there matters at least as much as what they'll be doing, and there are good reasons for it.

A friend takes the fear out of something new

Walking into a room full of strangers is hard at any age. For a child, a familiar face turns a scary first morning into an adventure. Kids who arrive with a friend settle faster and are far more willing to give an unfamiliar activity a real go.

They try harder and laugh more

Children push themselves when a mate is alongside them. They'll paddle out one more time, try the higher climbing wall, or have another go at the clay. And when something goes wrong, it becomes a shared joke instead of a reason to give up.

Shared experiences deepen friendships

Doing something new together gives kids stories to share long after the holidays end: "remember when we fell off the boogie board?" Those shared memories are what turn classmates into close friends.

It's easier on parents too

Booking with another family opens up shared lifts, swapped pick-ups and the occasional coffee while the kids are busy. It also means someone you trust is keeping half an eye out at the same activity.

It helps the quieter kids most

Confident children will usually find a buddy wherever they go. Shy or anxious kids often won't. For them, knowing a friend will be there can be the difference between a great day and not going at all.

How to make it happen

• Ask early. Families who plan a few weeks out get the best spots together.
• Be specific. Share the activity, day and time rather than a vague "we should do something".
• Make it two-way. If a friend's family has booked something, consider joining them, not just inviting them.

ParentPal shows you which of your kids' friends are already booked into an activity, so you can join them in a tap, or share what you've booked with your group chat.