Parenting During Summer Break

For most students, the school year is just about done and vacation is just around the corner.  This is the time when we are planning our vacations.  The coming two months is the time that many families go on vacations and do the things that are harder to do during school time. 

For parents, there are no hard and fast rules.  We can decide what to do with our children, given only practical and financial limits.  Whereas some parents prefer to help their children prepare for the coming school year by having them do supplemental lessons in specific subject areas, summer break can actually be an opportunity for children to learn and practice skills other than those related to school learning. 

Just what am I suggesting here?  I am actually saying that children need to learn so many things, and summer is a perfect opportunity for them to explore areas that they can expand their school learning.  This is the time to bond with their parents, siblings, and extended family members.  I would like to encourage you to try to go out of your way to spend more time with the children, as these are the occasions that children will remember when they are older. 

Here are some of my ideas as to what you can do with your children.  The list is in no way exhaustive, so feel free to suggest other things you would like to share to others in the comments part of this entry.  I have grouped them, but the activities actually cross over to the other headings as well. 

·         Be active – go out and enjoy the sunshine; learn a new sport; play a regular game of basketball; jog or brisk walk around the neighborhood regularly; go swimming

·         Creative projects – create your own video game (see http://www.sploder.com/); write an essay or a short story; learn to draw/paint; learn a musical instrument; engage in arts and crafts projects; do some carpentry; assemble a model car/plane; assemble your own computer; create your own music video and post it on you tube; design your own web page; start a blog

·         Bond with relatives and friends – hang out at home; have a marathon of family videos; visit cousins and friends; organize the family pictures; arrange regular play dates; play board games as a family; play video games with the children; prepare meals together; wash the car as a family; do general cleaning at home

·         Explore and discover – discover a part of town that has a historical significance; show the children the neighborhood where you grew up; go to a museum; find a park; watch the sunset

·         Help others – volunteer in an orphanage or shelter; volunteer for a cause, such as, Gawad Kalinga or your church; gather old clothes, books and toys to donate; clean up and sell old newspapers, boxes, and empty bottles

Whatever you decide to do, remember that being there with your children already communicates to them that they are important to you.  The interaction between you and your children is integral in parenting, and helps your children learn from you.  Enjoy the summer months!