- THE MESSAGE FROM KIDS TO PARENTS THIS NEW YEAR
KIDS might not be interested in making their own New Year's resolutions, but there's one thing that kids as young as five want their parents to do in January and that's book the family summer holiday early, according to research by leading family holiday experts, JMC.
The finding backs current advice from the Department of Education and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) encouraging parents to book early and avoid taking children out of school in term time.
The JMC study was carried out via a series of focus groups with children between the ages of five and 14 over a one month period, taking a detailed look at their perceptions of everything from booking a holiday to the airport experience and dealing with the post-holiday blues.
The research suprisingly reveals that kids don't want to go on holiday during term time because they'd feel they were missing out on things at school.
Robbie Orr of JMC says it's beneficial for parents to book early:- "It's not just kids who need something to look forward to. When it's dreary and grey in January, it does grown-ups the world of good to know that they have a summer holiday planned when they'll get chance to relax and recuperate as a family. Booking early means they should be able to secure the destination, accommodation and UK departure airport that they really want and that they'll have plenty of time to make arrangements for cover at work and home whilst they are away. And anyone who books before 10 January 2004 for next summer will not have to pay a deposit which means they'll have plenty of time to save up."
The study revealed that 95% of the children quizzed are unanimous - the most important thing about going on holiday to them next summer is spending precious time with the grown-ups. The study group told us that "Early in the research, the kids told us that spending time with their parents is, without question, the single most important reason for going on holiday, even more surprising because this applied to both five year olds and teenagers. Eight out of ten kids also said that their parents are more fun on holiday and 'less grumpy' than they are when they're at home!" 
|
COUNCIL ON STAND-BY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CHRISTMAS can often be blighted by accidents in the home such as burst pipes. To help prevent misery over the festive period, Liverpool city council installed 24 hour cover from Wednesday 24th December through to Monday 5th January 2004.
A council spokesman said "In the event of an emergency or urgent repair, council tenants should call Interserve's Repair Call Centre contact number on 0151 233 3005.
The city council's award winning Liverpool Direct will continue to provide a 24\7 service for the whole of the holiday period. For advice and help on council related issues, people should phone 0151 233 3000 or 0151 233 3018.
One Stop Shops will also remain open during the holiday period including Saturday mornings, except for the statutory holidays. The seven OSS offices are located at the following sites:-
· City Centre - Municipal Buildings
· Kirkdale - Walton, County Road (closed till 5th January due to refurbishment)
· Dingle - Park Road
· Broadway - Shopping Centre, Broad Lane
· Wavertree - Picton Rd (Library)
· Belle Vale - Hedgefield Rd
Services for the homeless will temporarily relocate to the Municipal Buildings One Shop Stop from:- Monday 29th to Wednesday 31st December and Friday 2nd January 2004. This is due to closure of the Millennium House Building."
Chief Executive David Henshaw said:- "Christmas can often be ruined by a minor mishap - people should know there is no need to panic. We pride ourselves on offering the only 24 hour/seven days a week council service in the UK. Many will need it over the next two weeks. If an emergency breaks out in the home, help will be at hand. There are hundreds of people on stand-by to make sure this Christmas runs as smoothly as possible for the people of Liverpool."
|
