Winter break can be the perfect respite for school-aged children. Although not quite halfway through the school year, the timing of winter break does come when kids might be preoccupied with the holiday season and all that comes with it.

Kids may be distracted about parties and presents, but parents maybe preoccupied with finding ways to keep their kids occupied during winter break — a typically two-week hiatus from school that begins shortly before Christmas and ends with kids’ return to school shortly after New Year’s Day. Parents facing the dilemma of finding something for kids to do during winter break should consider the following tips.

* Take a vacation. Vacation is the easy way out. Winter break might mark the only time until summer that parents can spend quality time with their kids completely away from the distractions of everyday life. Vacation can mean a trip to warmer climates or simply packing up the car to go spend time with the grandparents. If there’s any vacation time to spare, consider hitting the road.

* Teach kids some practical lessons. Kids likely won’t miss the classroom during winter break, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t enjoyable ways for kids to learn while they’re away from school. Teach kids practical lessons, like how to cook a favorite meal or how to fix things around the house. This gives parents a chance to spend some quality time with their kids while encouraging kids to learn beyond the classroom. And who knows, such lessons at home may uncover a child’s hidden talent.

* Encourage kids to read for pleasure. Reading improves vocabulary and can stimulate a child’s imagination. During the winter break, encourage kids to read a book or the daily newspaper for pleasure, assuring them there won’t be any quizzes or tests after each chapter. Get the ball rolling with a few books given as presents during Christmas or Chanukah. Or take a trip to the local library and let kids choose their own books.

* Soak up some snow. Parents who work from home can liven up the day during winter break by heading outside with the kids to build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Moms and Dads will enjoy the break from work while kids get some fun in the snow.