Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : April 18, 2016 10:31 AM IST
Few days back I saw a meme doing rounds on most mothers group I am a part of on Facebook. It read, Summer vacations is the only time we realise that teachers are underpaid. It made sense with tinge of humour packed in those words. Just think of it, if you can t keep your child occupied and make her listen to you, how difficult it might be for the teachers. Well, that isn t your little one s fault Children have an active mind and are a storehouse of energy that leads them to explore everything around them. So, if you keep them idle, they are bound to be restless which we translate as being naughty. One way to keep your child engaged during summer vacation is to enroll her in some or the other activity or hobby class. No, don t burden her with too many activities but pick one (or maybe two) which will interest her and also enhance her creativity and help her learn something new. Here are few activities that you can give a thought to:
Calligraphy: This is a form of art that helps your child to write in more than one style in an artistic manner. You might be wondering if it is worth to enroll your child in such a class in an age where computers and iPads rule their world. Well, I suggest you consider two things before ruling out this option. First, the importance of handwriting cannot be replaced with the convenience of typing. Writing is not only a form of art or a chore, but also helps to develop personality and helps in relieving stress and anxiety. This is the reason why many therapists offer journal writing as a therapy to improve mental health. Second, it contributes towards building concentration and enhances creativity and brings out the artist in your child. However, it also depends on the interest and nature of your child.
Speech and drama: Many people prefer a crash course on speech and drama during vacations, especially for kids who are shy, have stage fright or are introvert. It is a guided course where children are taught to speak out loud through various activities like poetry learning, elocution, etc. If your child is an introvert, it might take some time for him to adjust to the class and she might be reluctant to attend it. But with time, you will be able to see a change in her personality and conquer her fear of public speaking.
Gardening: This is an easy activity in which you can involve your kid. You don t even need to send her to any classes. Buy some pots, pans and saplings and you both can indulge in this activity. However, you might have to brush up on your knowledge of gardening or read little about it on how to introduce your child to gardening. This is an excellent way to help your kid get closer to nature and respect it.
Art and Craft: Painting, drawing, clay modelling, origami -- there is a variety of art and craft classes where you can enrol your kid. All these activities help to open new paths of creativity, relieve stress and keep them occupied in a creative way.
Sports: Ideally, this should not be just a pastime for vacation, it is better you involve your child in sports throughout the year. This activity helps to keep your little one s brain, body and soul in sync, apart from building muscle. However, to use the pent up energy within your little one, enrol her in some sports activity that she can learn during her vacation like skating, table tennis, swimming, martial arts or whatever appeals to her.
Image source: Shutterstock
