The summer holidays are here…..What are you doing this summer with the kids? As a parent, summer holidays can be a very happy time but also a very stressful time as you try to navigate the challenge of keeping the children occupied during the next six to eight weeks. I can remember looking forward to the break from helping with school homework, washing and ironing school uniforms and all the stuff that involves having children in school. With the break from school comes other challenges of filling the summer days with meaningful activities that they will enjoy. Planning holidays for us as a family and generally making sure that they are not stuck in the house glued to television and game consoles or crying boredom just because there is nothing motivating for them to do. In those days I did not have to worry about social media as it is now.
In this edition I want to share some ideas to parents with children who are already on summer vacation or will be in the coming weeks. It is really important for children to have a balanced time away from school ensuring that their physical and mental health are catered for.
Here are a three important tips of how to make these summer holidays meaningful for your school going children.
Coordinate with friends with children
I had friends with similar age children when my children were at school so we used to coordinate where I would have a week off and I will do days out with her son and vice versa. This ensures that at least 2 weeks of the holiday are taken care of with meaningful activities. I would plan trips to theme parks, the cinema or the park depending on the weather.
Holiday Clubs
Search for holiday clubs at your local church or other community or activity packed holiday club. If you can coordinate with friends and family with children you can share drop off and pick up duties. At our local church there were sport clubs such as football and cricket clubs running for a whole week during the summer vacation. There were also art clubs for those who were not sport minded. At the end of the week there were trophies for every child which was also an incentive for them to attend. Nowadays there are all sorts of different summer clubs catering for different interests.
Family Vacation
Going away as a family is also a very exciting time but can also be stressful if the location is not fully researched so that there is enough to keep everyone happy. You need a location that has a good balance of entertainment for adults and for children. If the children are responsible it is always advisable to book 2 rooms with connecting doors or a suite with 2 rooms. This ensures that the adults have their own space to relax at night and the children also have their own space to relax. I have never done the self-catering but I have heard from friends that this can be a very economical way of having a vacation away from home.
Don’t underestimate the time spent with your children during the summer vacations as it is one of the memories that you and your children will cherish in years to come. Make it a priority to plan days out with them no matter how busy you are because they will always remember those quality time you spent with them and how they felt spending those times with you. Staying with friends and family and going to holiday clubs are great but none of these are better than you spending time with them and creating valuable memories.
Get in touch, let me know where are you planning to spend your summer holidays, are you going somewhere? What would you be doing with your children if you have children?
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