#parenting
#kidsvacation
School vacations are about to start and nearly all paretns especially moms are worried about engaging kids, keeping screen time minimum , eating habits in vacations and what not!
Well let’s find some ways to reduce the worry a bit and keep temperature at home low during this season.
1. Hobby classes at home.
An hour or half of hobby session like a simple paper craft, best out of waste, copy and color, Lego or blocks to make something new, dance session with your kids and neighbouring kids.
Neighborhood Mom’s/ parents can take turns for the same.
Tip: 5 min craft on YouTube is very useful!
2. Sudoku , crossword , Jigsaw
Small rewards or “stars” to be collected for each.
A nice treat or some screen time for 5 stars , keeps kids feel that they have earned it + less screen time.
3. Kids routine is different in holiday’s..late sleep…late lunch… sometimes they skip breakfast too.
Let them do it. Its their holidays after all.
Make a nice heavy brunch with salad and fruits, no force for time.
Keeps everyone relaxed too!
4. Appetite… definitely goes down in summer.
Fruity milk shakes, dry fruit milk shakes, home made yogurt and fruits raitas come to rescue.
Here is an interesting recipe for yogurt for kids who don’t eat as such.
A bowl of thick fresh home made curd, add chunks of banana, mango and a piece of beet root for pink color. Later beet can be removed. Add sugar and pinch of salt.
Makes tasty , natrural probiotic.
5. Kids tantrum and fights.
Kids are entitled to tantrum and fights..as a parent it’s our job to keep calm, relax and make them calm too. A tense parent can’t do this . Be gentle, react less, remember it’s their time to enjoy just like we did for 3 whole months from April till July…didn’t we! These days kids get much lesser time, right?
6. Screen time
Allowed only when earned.
Like after a puzzle or a task.
Little bit of help in house , like making own bed, folding clothes, finished veggies!
7. Books and toys library
Remember how we grew up reading comics! How did we end up having them? Ofcourse from parents and elder siblings.
Good time to introduce kids to libraries.
Take them out to choose.
Sit with them for reading session.
Don’t ever assume they will read on its own. For most kids, it’s aquired habit, if they see their parents read or are read each night, they tend to develop some interest in reading.
8. Outdoor play
We always complain that kids dont play as much as we did.
Well then let’s show them how!
Show them those “gully” games we played with marbles ( kanchey), sitoliya, langdii…once they know they will surely love it.
Its also a good way to unwind and relive childhood memories, no?
9. Involve the family
Its not the mothers job alone to keep kids entertained in summer.
Don’t be hesitant to ask for help.
Let them mingle with relatives and cousins if feasible . Don’t hesitate in sending and inviting them too…this is the only time to get to know and mingle with cousins too.
Sleep overs and home stays are good for kids. They learn to become a bit more independent , take care of themselves and belongings also.
Happy parenting!