My child has grown a lot this year! It’s usually what parents and people around say and our children have been growing and developing well. During the academic year, some have started to sit up, others to crawl, walk, run. To say their very first words, to ask, express how they feel, learn songs. To eat unaided, put on and remove shoes, coats, use the potty, etc…
During the holiday’s children take the time to put into practice everything they’ve learned throughout the school year. They have the opportunity to try out skills they’ve been taught and to spend more time with their parents. This is what they most enjoy but at the same time its also what can get them overexcited: “Mum and Dad for me alone all day, Yahoo!” They will try everything and anything but it’s us parents who need to stand firm and stick to some recommendable guidelines in the Summer months.
During the holidays it’s important to:
1. Maintain routines and timetables with some adaptations.
2. Our children need to continue evolving and learning, therefore, they need to play a lot with adults as well as children of their age and alone.
3. Participate in outdoor activities, get them in touch with different surroundings such as sea water, countryside, mountains, sand, this will increase their curiosity for life and develop their sensorial skills.
It’s important to understand what the holidays mean for children, in particular, small children, who are easily upset. We tend to leave home which is a big change in the daily dynamics of a child’s life and this change isn’t necessarily an enjoyable one at first, therefore, we need to do this with some sensitivity. A good way is taking some of their favorite toys with us, the ones which they identify with home and therefore give them a sense of security.
During the holiday’s children have a lot of free time which they can put to great use. Playing and intellectual fun will help them acquire valuable knowledge for their personal development. The aim is to also understand the benefits of the activities which children can do during the holiday periods with us, their parents.
Holidays should always be a time of rest and recreation, take pleasure in the time you have with your children and enjoy these moments.
GAMES
Children develop their personalities, intelligence, sociability, Motricity, language skills etc by playing… children learn through play. They should play with adults, with other children and on their own. From a psychological point of view, play helps the child channel his impulses and emotions, reinforce his self-esteem and emotional intelligence. For example with hiding and seek children love to hide from, look for and find their friends. In this situation, the main child in the game becomes the leader, has a plan, strategies to meet his target, he achieves it and he’s happy, this is how he expresses his feelings, those who are hiding make sure to find ways to avoid being easily found, they use their problem-solving skills, as well as facing any fears of being alone and in the dark.
SPORT
Sport is an activity which develops discipline for both young and old. Holidays are good times to practice playing ball games, swimming, or any physical activity where they develop their gross motor skills, general coordination, and body control. These contribute to their overall physical and mental well-being. When a child undertakes a particular sport from any age such as swimming it encourages the development of his self-esteem as he feels he is “able” to do a skill. On the other hand, over-zealous and restless children find a happy medium to express their impulses, channel them, orientate and focus their attention and concentration. Children need to burn off energy and there is nothing better than a sport to achieve this.
WALKS
Family walks are really important whether by the beach, in the countryside, the mountains, or the city. What’s convenient is to dedicate a day or an afternoon to explore an area different from the norm, this strengthens family unity and children have a good time with those they love most. It’s wise to get children accustomed to active walks and that they not only move their legs but also exercise their minds. Let them unleash their inquisitive minds and stimulate the youngest: “What animal do these footprints belong to? Why is this street called this way? Who lived in this castle?”
Carrying out open-air activities will also help them develop their sensorial skills.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Artistic workshops are just as important as academic activities that children receive across the year. Through painting, drawing, music, the child will develop the creative part of his brain, he will find a channel to express his emotions and his given skills. Each creative workshop will give the child the opportunity to get to know his own abilities and talents and develop multiple disciplines regardless of his age. With a bit of preparation, you can do this at home.
THEATRE AND STORYTELLING
The scenarios presented on stage are not only good for entertaining children but they also educate and guide them, offering good role models to help children in their social interactions. In a puppet show or storytelling session children imagen the conduct of the characters, and they can learn which conducts are the most appropriate
ACTIVITIES AT HOME
Children spend more time at home, and besides playing they can also perform other activities that encourage independence and personal values such as responsibility, tidiness, cleanliness, discipline. Teach them through everyday activities, give them small household-related tasks, for example, have him help you cook dinner, throw the diaper away, carry the dirty laundry basket, etc … or teach him some artistic ability that you dominate.
Do you want to know about more activities to do in the summer? Check out our blog!