Opportunities for children during vacations
By: M Ahmad
More than merely a break from routine, summer vacations present numerous opportunities for children to explore, learn, and develop. These vacations grant children a glimpse of independence as they navigate their days without the structure of school.
Parents can utilize this time to empower their children to assume age-appropriate responsibilities, whether it involves planning and preparing meals, managing a budget for outings, or handling household chores. By entrusting children with responsibilities, parents contribute to the development of independence and self-confidence.
Summer vacations also provide a cherished opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories together. Whether through family vacations, weekend outings, or simply spending quality time at home, parents can prioritize time spent with their children. These shared experiences not only strengthen family ties but also offer children a sense of security and belonging.
During this summer vacation, seize the chance to impart some vital life skills to your child, which may be somewhat unconventional, compared to traditional education. While these skills may not ensure exceptional grades or accolades, they will serve as crucial guiding principles in their lives as they encounter the challenges of adulthood. Here are some skills to be imparted to the children:
Cooking and Doing the Dishes: Cooking is not just a chore or a task; instead, it is recognized as a ‘Survival’ skill by professionals. Nevertheless, it will impart much more to your child than that. Cooking is an endeavour that will foster a sense of creativity in your child. In more technical terms, it will enhance their ‘procedural memory.’ Procedural memory is what we rely on for performing complex tasks that necessitate step-by-step processes. Likewise, encourage them to wash their own dishes. This practice will not only instil modesty in them but also nurture a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Sharpen their Communication Skills: Communication is the foundation of modern human society. The better you are at it, the better will be your network, and higher the chances of your success. Though, many adults feel diffident when it comes to articulating their thoughts in front of a group. One can, for sure, make children proficient in communication to bring out their eloquent side in the adulthood. Here is what parents can do;
Home Budgeting: They might be too young to understand the complex principles of finances. However, the term ‘money’ will catch their attention for good. Children grasp the notion of money from a very early age. And, you must use this window of summer break to turn them into responsible beings when it comes to money
Safety, Preparedness and Essential Survival Skills: Do not limit your teachings to your child’s soft skills only. Teaching them about the dangers of the world, self-preservation and survival must be at the top of the list. Worry not, we are not asking you to scare your child! Though, we are talking about the instinct that made you purchase that Childcare Plan and Health Insurance Policy. This summer vacation, teach your children;
Road Safety: Depending upon their age, teach them about the dangers of road accidents and careless driving. Tell them to be watchful and refrain from using gadgets while on the road as a driver or a pedestrian.
Preparedness for Emergencies: This would be more of a verbal discourse where in you will give your child a hypothetical emergency situation and they will have to tell you their course of action. Think first aid, no-money, abuse and harassment, thunderstorm, etc.
Basic Navigation skills: Teach them how to live without Google Maps by telling them the 8 geo-navigation directions, the celestial-navigation technique and other raw techniques to stimulate their curiosity.
Summer Crafts: Engaging in crafts provides an excellent opportunity for children to showcase their creativity. Numerous crafts necessitate the use of fine motor skills, including cutting, pasting, and gluing. This practice can enhance their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Popular summer crafts encompass paper flowers, butterfly art, paper boat construction, and various forms of origami. Additionally, crafts serve as an enjoyable method for children to explore diverse subjects, such as art, history, and science; however, the most significant aspect is that crafts are immensely enjoyable for children and assist them in relieving stress!
Physical exercise: Exercise for kids includes a variety of activities like running, jumping, playing sports, swimming, and dancing. These activities help kids build strength, improve coordination, and maintain a healthy weight. Encouraging regular physical activity is crucial for children’s physical and mental well-being. Incorporating some necessary exercises in the daily routine of your child is necessary for their consistent physical growth. It will help build both their physical and mental endurance and will teach them the importance of discipline. These can be push ups, jump squats, jumping jack, arm circles, etc.
Provocation for good discipline: To promote the development of discipline in children, it is essential to establish a structured environment that includes clear expectations and positive reinforcement. Assist them in comprehending the rules, exercising self-control, and acknowledging their achievements. Consistency, transparent communication, and guidance suitable for their age are crucial in nurturing self-discipline.
Good dietary habits: Children involve a balanced intake from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. It’s crucial to limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and excessive amounts of saturated fat and salt. Encouraging healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, and making mealtimes a positive experience.
By prioritizing these aspects of child care, parents can help their children have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer break while also preparing them for the upcoming schooling.
(The author is an educationist and a regular contributor to ‘Kashmir Vision’. He can be reached at specialachivers78@gmail.com)
