Afternoon Drive withJoanne Joseph

The Easter long weekend is almost upon us and many parents are already fretting about how to keep their children amused.

Whether you're planning a vacation or a staycation, keep it simple and focus on togetherness advises creative parenting expert Nikki Bush.

She points out that retailers tend to give staff more leeway over Easter than over Christmas.

That means that a lot more families are at home together. This is the word we really need to celebrate - togetherness.

— Nikki Bush, Creative parenting expert

Bush says keeping the little ones entertained can be as easy as being creative with a few pieces of paper.

There is so much fun to be had with a few pieces of paper, even the re-used pieces of paper out of your printer.

— Nikki Bush, Creative parenting expert

Some simple things that people have forgotten that actually keep children very enthralled - how about just learning how to fold paper aeroplanes.

— Nikki Bush, Creative parenting expert

Bush says all the instructions are under 'Free Stuff' on her website at nikkibush.com.

You can get really creative, you can make them much more aerodynamic you can get crayons and pastels and kokis and stickers...

— Nikki Bush, Creative parenting expert

Bush warns against resorting to screen time to keep your child occupied and stop them from nagging you.

When we're doing this they're engaged, but they're not happy. They still have an emotional void that only a human being can fill.

— Nikki Bush, Creative parenting expert

For more tips from Nikki Bush, click on the link below: