Most children start back at school full of energy and enthusiasm, eager to catch up with friends but after a few weeks their excitement wanes and their busy schedule means they are left breathless, tired and often waiting for the next round of holidays to begin.
A generation ago children still had afternoons to play in the street, to play cricket, enjoy a swing, pick apples or help Mum prepare the evening meal, but these days coping with a 12 hour day split between school, child care and after school activities has changed that free time. So what are the solutions?