Allowing youngsters to pack up their kids' swimwear and spend the afternoon in a kids' club while on holiday gives parents some much-needed downtime.

This is the view of the Times' Alpha Mummy blogger Jennifer Howze, who has discussed the pros and cons of using a babysitting service while on vacation.

She explained that when her daughter was younger, she was a "supporter" of this service, as she could not cope with 24-7 toddler care while on holiday.

However, her attitude changed as her daughter got older and she saw her offspring's negative reaction to being left behind.

"Now that my daughter is six, we spend almost all our holiday time as a family, playing games, swimming, reading, pursuing interests together," Ms Howze said.

She canvassed the opinion of readers of the blog, with some backing kids' clubs and the opportunities they give youngsters for socialising.

Other correspondents said some of these services are poorly managed by overworked people in their late teens or early 20s.

Earlier this month, parent Carol Midgley wrote a column for the news provider, arguing that parents should be responsible for all of their children's care while on holiday.

Fun activities for all the family could include packing up the kids' swimwear and hitting a water park or enjoying a dip in the sea.

Posted by Eileen Kirk ADNFCR-3005-ID-19797566-ADNFCR