Summer vacation forms an integral part of every child’s life owing to the conclusion of a fruitful educational year, facilitating a gap of two months. Yet, children are found to while away this time indulging in pointless pursuits such as staying indoors with their video games, leaving parents worried about the lost time. Certainly, time is precious and children need to utilise this time more wisely to productive causes. For the children, it is the best time to learn new things that they do not have the time for during the academic year. Listed here are three ways to spend summer vacations in a productive way.

1. Enlist your child in a sports activity

During the school academic year, children are too caught up in their assignments and homework to indulge in recreational activities – sports being the prime example. Indulging in a sports activity inculcates a balanced set harmony between physical fitness and mental dexterity, something that individuals have to harbour within themselves. There are added emotional benefits for kids who participate in sports – experiencing challenges that help them develop confidence and learn about the world, learning to deal with winning and losing and how to accept both with grace. Besides, their confidence is boosted as they push the boundaries of their capabilities. Hence, it is always wise to encourage children in taking up a sporting activity.

2. Enroll your ward in a summer camp

Vacations are the prime time to enroll children in summer camps – with children having ample of spare time that needs to be dedicated in sharpening their skills. Summer camp forms a special kind of commune where kids congregate to have fun. Within the pulsating environment of the camp, children develop a sense of independence as they try new adventures away from home. Summer camps are known for providing a safe environment where children gain self-confidence as they learn new skills. Camp is also a place where children develop a variety of social skills (e.g., communication, and conflict resolution ability). In short, the perfect place for children to learn and grow in unison.

3. Enshrine the art of holistic living in your child

Modern advancements and the detached, clinical temperament enshrined in modern age humans may have its salient points, but is detrimental for a growing child. In lieu with decreased social relations and moral values, children are lagging behind in concentration, tolerance, patience and so on. They require to be nudged back into the world of humanity – through learning spiritual practices such as Yoga and meditation. By channelling the inner self through these holistic practices, children can develop control over their mind, which ultimately helps in improving their concentration power. This in turn proves to be a great aid in their academics, alongside veering into the path of becoming a better human beings.

As we progress ahead in life, it is important to impart valuable lessons to the future inhabitants, and help them understand the impact of their actions on humanity at large. Summer vacation can prove to be a time of fruitful exuberance if parents choose most of the above mentioned activities for their children to reap benefits from.

The author is Vinay Goyal, director SRS International School.

Also read: Making summer holidays meaningful