Vacation or extended school?

ALL seasons have their own beauty and attractions but, summer is special in more ways than one. Summer season heralds the vacations from studies, exams, routines and time tables. This is the time when parents can really unwind and forget all the extra baggage piling up through the year: stress, deadlines, goals et all.

I am tempted to put across a question to the parents: why do you enroll your children for some classes during the vacations? Children are enrolled for art class/computer courses/language courses/abacus course/personality development courses and so the list goes on. How fair is it for a child who already goes through 10 months of studying and then again 2 more months of studying? All this because you think you are empowering the children to face the competition ahead.

The fun free years in our life is reducing with each passing generation. Earlier a child had to join school and learn the three R’s (reading, [w]riting and [a]rithmetic) at the age of 6. Today that age is reduced to 2 1/2 years or even lesser. My personal experience are filled with fond memories of summer vacations, memories that I carry with me throughout my life. All those years spent playing, fooling around and having fun are still strong in my mind.

Children today should be weaned away from watching too many hours of television or hours in front of the computer or with their video games. Instead we should ensure that they are sent outdoors. Physical games are essential for the physical and mental development of an individual. Children should be encouraged to run around, meet and make new friends in the locality and be outdoors.

What do you do if there is no convenience for the same? Or, if the child does not have any company in the same age group? Well, then enroll the child for camps which take children to different places of interest. This way they learn to become broadminded and respect nature. Though the children of this age do not have trees to climb or big open spaces like the children of our times, it is still important to have a rounded personality development.

Wean your children away from the books and the process of formal learning during vacations. A good break from the curriculum will make them mentally recharged. Also it would improve their memory power along with a more positive approach towards nature. These vacations are not only necessary for the children but also for the parents. So make it a point to shut down your computers, forget your commitments, break away from the vicious cycle of deadlines and racing against time and go on a holiday with your family. This bonding time is vital and helps us come closer to each other.

During the coronavirus testing times vacation takes on an altogether different meaning. This is the best time to reconnect with our roots and build a strong relationship with our near and dear ones. As staying indoors and social distancing is the new norm, temporarily relocating and staying with our extended family we achieve multipurpose benefits. We get to stay together and look out for each other while we also get the opportunity to build stronger bonds. Children get the opportunity to learn about the past and bond with our own kith and kin. This coming together will help reduce stress and rejuvenate too. Children also pick up new skills additional languages and develop talents in a fun way. The most important aspect of social bonding is that of sharing and caring. Also living in a harmonious manner can be inculcated in children without any moral lesson. Such a vacation will benefit the young and old and teach us to value what we have.

In normal times it can be a trip to our native place. This gives us a chance to renew our ties with our roots. Alternatively, visiting relatives in other cities is another option too. Vacations out of your home is that time when all the members can actually relax and spend quality time with each other. It could also be a visit to a new place. Remember that this time spent with your family and friends are priceless as TIME AND TIDE WAITS FOR NO MAN.

So do not postpone your plans, just pack your bags and go out before your children grow up and are independent. Another plus with breaking away from the rat race for a short while is that it will make you ready to get into the act when you go back to the daily grind. This rejuvenating experience will be something your children will always thank you for. They will cherish these memories as islands of happiness in their lives ahead. The loss of creating these memories and of rebounding with the family is often felt later when it may be too late. 

Take heed parents to just let be and allow your children to enjoy their innocent childhood years in a more fun filled manner!