Best ways to engage your kids during summer holidays

Summer Holiday is a moment for parents to pay closer attention, informally educate, and bond with their children.

Indeed engaging kids during summer holidays can be an arduous task especially for the workingclass parents, to such parents the choice of enrolling them into summer holiday classes may not be the best. However you can change the routines and make this summer holiday more enjoyable and memorable for the kids while it becomes less stressful for you by considering these :

Reading: Encourage your child to read books that interest them. You can create a reading challenge, set reading goals, or have family reading sessions where everyone reads together.

Creative Arts: Provide art supplies and encourage your child to express themselves through drawing, painting, or crafting. You could even set up a little art exhibition at home to showcase their work.

Science Experiments: Simple science experiments can be fascinating for kids. Look up age-appropriate experiments online or use science kits to explore various scientific concepts.

Cooking and Baking: Involve your child in the kitchen to learn cooking and baking skills. They can help prepare meals or snacks and even experiment with new recipes.

Gardening: Start a small garden or potted plants together. Kids can learn about plants, how to care for them, and the joy of seeing their efforts bloom.

Nature Exploration: Go on nature walks, explore nearby parks, or have a picnic outdoors. It's a great way to teach kids about nature and the environment.

Educational Apps and Games: There are many educational apps and games that make learning enjoyable. Choose ones that align with your child's interests and age group.

DIY Science Kits: Purchase or create DIY science kits that allow kids to conduct experiments and learn while having hands-on fun.

Virtual Field Trips: Take virtual field trips to museums, historical sites, or national parks through online resources. It's a great way to explore the world from home.

Puzzles and Board Games: Play puzzles and board games as a family. These activities can improve problem-solving skills and promote bonding.

Physical Activities: Encourage physical activities like dancing, yoga, or sports. It's essential to keep kids active during the summer holidays.

Journaling or Scrapbooking: Help your child keep a journal of their summer experiences or create a scrapbook with photos and memories.

Music and Instruments: If your child is interested in music, introduce them to different instruments or let them learn to play one.

Coding and Robotics: Introduce your child to coding and robotics through kid-friendly resources. It can improve logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Movie or Documentary Nights: Watch age-appropriate educational movies or documentaries together and discuss what they've learned.

■ Activities to discourage during summer holidays

While parents often have good intentions to keep their kids occupied and entertained during summer holidays, some practices might not be ideal or could have negative consequences. Here are some examples of wrong things parents might do:

Excessive Screen Time: Relying too much on screens (TV, tablets, smartphones) to keep kids busy can lead to negative effects on their health, development, and social skills.

Over-scheduling: Trying to fill every moment of a child's day with activities and classes can lead to burnout and stress for both the child and the parents.

Ignoring Interests: Forcing kids into activities they don't enjoy or neglecting their interests can stifle creativity and enthusiasm.

Lack of Outdoor Play: Not encouraging enough outdoor play and physical activity can impact a child's health and development negatively.

Ignoring Learning Opportunities: Summer holidays offer a chance for fun and informal learning. Not engaging kids in any educational activities may lead to a learning loss known as the "summer slide."

Using Electronics as Babysitters: Parents might use electronic devices as a convenient way to keep kids quiet and occupied, but it's essential to balance it with other activities and interactions.

Comparing with Others: Comparing a child's summer activities or accomplishments with other kids can create unnecessary pressure and stress.

Not Allowing Downtime: Children need some downtime to relax and recharge during the summer holidays. Overloading them with activities can lead to exhaustion and reduced enjoyment.

Lack of Supervision: Leaving kids unsupervised for extended periods, especially with potentially dangerous activities, can be risky.

Neglecting Family Time: Summer holidays are an excellent opportunity for families to bond and spend quality time together. Neglecting this aspect can create emotional distance.

No Room for Creativity: Not providing opportunities for creative play and exploration can hinder a child's imagination and problem-solving skills.

Ignoring Mental Health: Failing to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues in a child and not seeking appropriate support if needed.

Parents should strive to strike a balance between structured activities and free play, encourage exploration and learning, and be mindful of their child's individual needs and interests. Summer holidays should be a time for fun, growth, and positive experiences, rather than just keeping kids busy for the sake of it.

Hope you find this article helpful. Please, how has it helped you? Leave a comment, and share so others can also learn.

■ Dr. Chris Uche Iheukwumere