Summer Vacation – Make the Most of It

Summer Vacation

When summer is here, the mercury is rising and making life uneasy and uncomfortable in every possible way. But for children, summer vacation  is the most exciting time of the year as they have a long school break.

Children wait for summer vacation  as this is the time when they can have so much fun, do what they want, sleep late and go out on holiday. But, it is also that time of the year that should be utilized judiciously for the betterment of the children.

 Case Study

Dhanvi is very excited as her school break is about to start in ten days. She is happy as she will not have to get up early and go to school. She can watch television, play games, go to her grandparents, it will be so much fun.

Her mother is a little worried as she does not want Dhanvi only to have fun but, she wants her to learn something during this summer vacation and utilize this time. But, she is confused as to what Dhanvi should do that can make her should learn and have fun at the same time.

We all need break from the monotonous routine of our daily life, so do children. They have the luxury of enjoying long school break, but, as elders and parents, we are responsible for balancing fun and enjoyment with learning different skills. So, plan your child’s summer vacation in such a way that not only the child enjoys but also utilizes the time to learn something new that can help develop the child’s personality as well.

Mentioned below are some points that we can keep in mind while planning for the child’s holidays routine:

Maintain Routine

During summer vacation children do not like to follow a routine. They want to sleep, play and watch television endlessly. Its good to do that sometimes but, make sure children mostly have a routine of waking up, having meals, doing home work, watching television, going out to play, etc.

Set Expectations Right

Before holidays begin, sit with children and discuss how they want to spend their summer vacation  and what are you expecting them to do. Ask them where they want to go for a vacation or if they want to learn some art or sport during this time and then plan accordingly.

Encourage Them To Learn Something New

Ask your child if he/she wants to learn any art or dance form, or if the child wants to learn some sport. Find something of their interest so that they can join those classes and learn something interesting. It can also help you to explore the hidden talents in your child.

Spend Time Together

Try to spend as much time as you can with your child during summer vacations. Take them out to the park to play, watch their favorite movies together, take them for an outing on lunch or dinner once a week so that the child also feels that “It’s fun time.”

Encourage Them To Read

Buy your children some interesting story books during their vacation so that they develop the habit of reading. Regularly ask them what they read. You can also be a part of such reading sessions. Buy them books like Panchtantra Tales, Akbar and Birbal, Wimpy Kids, Short Stories or even their favorite cartoon character stories.

Holiday Homework Is A Must

Its very difficult to make children sit and study during school break as they are not in a mood to do this. But, make sure they complete their home work. Divide it into parts, so that they complete the work gradually and do not lose touch with their studies and what they have learned in school.

Travelling and Vacations

One of the most important reasons why children are excited about school break is that they get a chance to travel, meet relatives (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins) or go out to a tourist destination with parents. Take out time to do this and meet children’s expectations as the first thing that they share with their friends and teachers after vacations is, “Where they went” and “who they met” during this period.

If your children are a little more grown up, encourage them to teach a poor child, ask them to plant trees or make them participate in any social work according to their age. This will help them develop into a better human being.

Conclusion

It could be quiet a difficult task for you as parents to organize and plan children’s summer vacation in an effective way. But, make sure you take out time and be a part of their enjoyment, fun and learning experiences.

Children want and need you during this period the most. If you will put in this extra effort of planning and giving time to your growing children, not only will they learn things and utilize their breaks in a better way, but, you will also enjoy and feel happy and gratified to see the positive results of your involvement. So gear up and start planning!!

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About the Author

Varsha Tyagi is a Master's in Psychology with 5 years of Experience as a Life Skills Coach and a Counseling Psychologist. She has worked with many schools, colleges and corporates as a Counselor and a Life Skills Trainer and dealt with both children and adults. She is currently working as a Life Skills Facilitator with an organization.

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