USE SUMMER HOLIDAYS OPTIMALLY
With the onset of the school summer vacations, parents, as well as kids, are in a tizzy about what to do during this long break. Usually, there is an inherent tussle that takes place. While kids want to focus on playing, parents would like them to be constructively occupied. The good news is, both can be achieved without much conflict, if only we incorporate certain guidelines for our summer holidays. Wondering how? Read on!
PRE-PLAN A man with a plan is always successful. Likewise, for parents to have a plan that they have devised, discussed and approved by the kids always goes a long way in avoiding conflict. Ideally, it helps if the summer schedule is a mix of holidaymaking, some absolute downtime, a bit of school homework/revision, and a few fun activities that also endow students with great skills. A good combination of work and play will keep both parents as well as kids, happy. It also allowed for the much-needed ‘break’ for students, whilst still providing enough constructive engagement for them not to become idle or destructive.
FAMILIAL With an increasing number of families having shrunk into tiny nuclear setups, the holidays are a great time for kids to reconnect with close family. Grandparents of both sides, aunts and uncles; these are relationships worth exploring, strengthening and nurturing. Spending time with family gives kids a vital perspective on their roots, origins, where they come from, and who they are. So plan a part of the holidays to spend quality time with close family that doesn’t necessarily solicit interaction during the working months. Be it intracity or involving a bit of travel; quality time with extended family is crucial to foster a sense of family, belonging, identity and connection.
PASSION PROJECT Most students nowadays tend to keep busier than us adults. Schoolwork, a myriad of extra-curricular activities, and other engagements such as the almost mandatory tuition classes often rob students of indulging in their true passions. The summer holidays, therefore, serve as the perfect antidote to life, which can be a foil to one’s inner cravings and pursuits. Students should use the holidays to get into one of their most desired but long-pending quests. It could be anything, a specific place to travel, an attempt at writing a story or a book, a hunger to learn how to act, ANYTHING. Creating the time and opportunity to pursue that long-dormant passion can be a great way of investing in oneself.
GOOD-NATURED We are also a society that is fast and increasingly losing a connection with nature. Sure, students are made aware of the planet’s environmental problems at school, even made to be part of various activities that propagate the ecofriendly message; most of this however works at a superficial level. Kids should be encouraged to reconnect with nature during the holidays. It can be a full-on trek into the wilderness, or even through an easily-accomplished activity like tending the garden. Either way, personal interaction with nature has multiple benefits ranging from and not limited to a sense of calm, a different viewpoint and perspective on life, and a chance to introspect.
ACTIVE Finally, the summer holidays are a wonderful opportunity to be active and get fit. A lot of kids these days don’t always get the time or opportunity to be sportingly/actively engaged. The summer presents that perfect opportunity to get fit while having a superb time. Everyday activity such as Swimming, for example, is the ideal heat-buster while also making for a full-body and mind workout. So swim, be active, and get fit, mind, body and soul.
The summer holidays in most parts of India are long. They present a chance for kids and parents to connect, bond and be with each other like normally they wouldn’t be able to. Aside from all the many travel plans and activities one could and must plan, remember, be with your parents. It’s time you will never have again. Create a deeper understanding and relationship that goes beyond the already-established parent-child status quo. Happy Holidays!
