By Musa Abdullahi Sufi¹Kano, Nigeria
School holidays are often seen as a time for rest and relaxation. However, these breaks also present a unique opportunity for parents to engage and empower their children in meaningful activities that promote learning and skills development.
By utilizing school holidays effectively, parents, guardians and family members can help these children to stay active and busy.
The results of such could be helping these children avoid negative influences from society, and develop valuable skills that can benefit them academically, socially, financially and even their entire future lives.
The Need for Productive Engagement During School Holidays
Most often school holidays lead children to experience idle time, which may result in them engaging in unproductive or even harmful activities. And without proper guidance, children might spend most of their time on electronic devices and become susceptible to negative peer influences, or develop even unhealthy habits.
In fact, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that excessive screen time can contribute to issues such as obesity, sleep problems, and behavioural issues for children. Thus, productive engagement of children during holidays and even during school sessions is non-negotiable.
Encouraging Continuous Learning
Learning should not be confined to the classroom.
School holidays also offer a chance for children to explore subjects and activities that may not be covered in their regular curriculum. Parents can encourage their children to read books, explore nature, or engage in educational games.
A Research by the National Summer Learning Association indicates that children who do not engage in educational activities during the summer can lose up to two months of reading and math skills.
For example, Parents can create a holiday reading challenge, where children set goals to read a certain number of books. This not only enhances their reading skills but also fosters a love for literature. The parents can also tie in with price.
Developing Practical Skills
Skills development is crucial for children’s overall growth and future success. Holidays are an ideal time for children to learn practical skills such as cooking, gardening, graphic design, coding, Arabic writing, or basic financial management. These skills not only keep them engaged but also prepare them for real-life challenges.
The book by Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Nigeria’s Communication and Digital Economy, titled “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees,” should be localized to support children learning the importance of skills beyond just obtaining certificates and degrees.
In addition, parents can teach their child basic kitchen and cleaning skills for example, and this not only keeps the child occupied but also instills a sense of responsibility and creativity. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior shows that children who participate in cooking activities are more likely to make healthier food choices in their lives.
Opportunities for Income Generation
Learning skills that can potentially generate income is an added advantage, especially in the current state of the world. For grown-up children, engaging in activities such as graphic and web design, freelance writing or even starting a small online business like cake etc. can be both educational and financially rewarding. This experience not only teaches them about getting money but how to manage their incomes and also instils a strong work ethic.
A child who discovers app design like Canva and a guide could learn graphic design skills and offer services on platforms and to family. This not only enhances their skills but also provides a sense of achievement and financial independence for them at an early age.
Building Character and Discipline
Engaging children in structured activities during holidays helps build discipline and time management skills. Whether it’s adhering to a schedule for learning a new skill or completing a project, these activities teach children the importance of setting goals and working towards them.
Smart Parents can enrol their children in skills classes like football, martial arts class or a sports camp etc. Such activities not only improve physical fitness but also teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Importance of Parental Involvement
Parents play a crucial role in guiding and motivating their children for their successful life. Therefore, actively participating in children’s holiday activities, could strengthen the bond between children’s parents as well as provide the necessary support and encouragement.
Another study from the Harvard Family Research Project finds that children with involved parents are more likely to succeed academically and socially.
In fact, is evident even in our local communities that, Parents collaborate with their children on various projects including games, such as building a birdhouse, creating a family scrapbook and playing physical games like running and jumping etc; fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and family togetherness among others.
Conclusion
Children’s School holidays, when used effectively, can be a transformative period for children. This could be through a strategic and smart focus on continuous learning, skills development, and structured engagement.
Parents can ensure that their children stay busy and productive as these not only keep them away from negative influences but also equip them with valuable skills for their future.
Parents should seize this opportunity to guide their children towards a path of lifelong learning and growth.
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