Introduction
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students, professionals, and families alike. It’s a period to unwind, explore new hobbies, and create lasting memories. However, sometimes these precious weeks can slip away, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and regretful. In this article, we will explore how to plan a summer vacation cherished by all.
What is the importance of summer vacation for kids?
In earlier times, schools had a two-month vacation to fulfill the agricultural needs of the families [1]. Children could help their families tend to their farms in these months without impacting their studies. In the modern era, this differs from the need of the hour. Nonetheless, summer vacation continues to be important for children.
Summer Vacations help children catch a much-needed break from school. But beyond that, summer vacations are important for kids, and they help in:
- Get out of an academic routine and rest and rejuvenate the self.
- Give the children a physical and mental break.
- Provide them a chance to explore interests, passions, and projects beyond the school curriculum.
- Students joining camps or other summer-break activities can learn new skills and form new friends.
- Summer vacations offer a chance to travel, reconnect with family and yourself.
- Students can gain work experience and even earn money during the summer break.
- Finally, children can also work on their studies and academic skills.
A good summer break becomes a lifetime memory. Children cherish and re-live these memories throughout their lives. Parents can help children in creating such vacations.
What are the psychological impacts of Summer Vacation on kids?
Summer Vacation is like unstructured time for kids and can have negative and positive impacts.
Positive Impact of Summer Vacations
A well-spent summer break can be highly beneficial for a child. Research on adults shows that vacations and holidays positively impact a person’s mental health [2]. Thus, leaves may bring a sense of relief. Apart from relaxation and improvement in mental health, children can also utilize this time to build skills, take courses, and engage in creative pursuits. This can enhance their skills and contribute to holistic development. Finally, with all members busy throughout the year, summer vacation can prompt the family to plan time together and strengthen bonds.
Negative Impact of Summer Vacations
Contrary to popular belief, some research has shown that a long break from school can harm children. For instance, it may affect the child’s fitness leading to weight gain [3] and poor nutrition. This is especially true when the school provides children with physical health interventions [4]. Other studies have shown that academic knowledge and skills are lost during summer break, especially in mathematics [5]. Minorities, including children with disabilities or economically disadvantaged children, are more at risk of this loss of academic skills. Further, in the contemporary world, without school structure, children may spend more time engaging with screens, such as watching TV, playing video games, or using electronic devices. Excessive screen time can negatively impact physical and mental health.
Thus, what a child does during the break determines the impact of summer vacations. Parents and caregivers can contribute to their children’s happiness, personal growth, and overall well-being by creating cherishable summer vacations.
How to make Summer Vacation Cherishable?
A planned summer vacation that allows children to develop, grow and explore new areas can become cherishable for them. Some ways to make summer vacations cherishable are [6] [7]:
1. Plan activities with family and friends: This is an excellent time for meeting and catching up with family members, including extended family and friends. Families can plan activities and get-togethers along with trips with loved ones.
2. Enroll in summer programs: Many organizations offer courses, camps, internships, and programs during the summer. This can help children learn new skills and gain relevant experience to support their future. Enrolling in such camps or programs can also bring children new social connections and friendships.
3. Volunteer: Encouraging the child to volunteer can develop a sense of altruism in the child. It can also cultivate skills like empathy and compassion and help make children better citizens of the country.
4. Have some routine: Since it is an unstructured time, it might be good to have some routine. Adding physical exercise and skill development would be essential to avoid negative impacts. Routine can be flexible, and the child can design it or decide for themselves what new thing they wish to do in particular time slots.
5. Discover and pursue your passion: Summer vacation is an opportunity to explore and indulge in one’s passions. Painting, music, writing, and dancing are some examples of passions. Many children now use this time to create original work and publish it online.
Following the above advice will transform your summer vacation into a personal growth and self-discovery period. It is essential to spend time planning for when one has a plan; it becomes a clear roadmap for the summer ahead.
How does making Summer Vacation cherishable affect your kids?
As mentioned above, cherishable summer vacations will positively impact the child’s development and growth. They are also remembered for a long time by the child. Doing things outside of one’s comfort zone increases the skills and resilience of a person. Children will also develop stronger bonds with their families, friends, and kin. This will contribute to a sense of belonging in the child and will become a protective factor against mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
When the child returns to school, they will not experience a loss of skills. Instead, they will have new stories, experiences, and tools in their belt. They will also be revitalized and might even gain a sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Summer vacations are cherished moments that leave lasting memories. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones or exploring new destinations, summer vacations rejuvenate the minds and bodies of children. They can have many positive impacts, and with simple tips, parents can help make the summer vacation cherishable. If you are a parent who wishes to make your child’s summer vacation fruitful, you can contact the parenting coaches at United We Care platform. At United We Care, a team of professionals and mental health experts will guide you with the best methods for well-being.
References
- J. Pederson, The history of School and summer vacation – ed, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1134242.pdf (accessed May 17, 2023).
- T. Hartig, R. Catalano, M. Ong, and S. L. Syme, “Vacation, collective restoration, and Mental Health in a population,” Society and Mental Health, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 221–236, 2013. doi:10.1177/2156869313497718
- J. P. Moreno, C. A. Johnston, and D. Woehler, “Changes in weight over the school year and Summer vacation: Results of a 5-year longitudinal study,” Journal of School Health, vol. 83, no. 7, pp. 473–477, 2013. doi:10.1111/josh.12054
- A. L. Carrel, R. R. Clark, S. Peterson, J. Eickhoff, and D. B. Allen, “School-based fitness changes are lost during the Summer Vacation,” Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, vol. 161, no. 6, p. 561, 2007. doi:10.1001/archpedi.161.6.561
- S. Luttenberger et al., “The effects of nine-week summer vacation: Losses in mathematics and gains in reading,” EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, vol. 11, no. 6, 2015. doi:10.12973/eurasia.2015.1397a
- “‘10 ways to connect with your kids during Summer Vacation,’” IndiaLends, https://indialends.com/blogs/10-ways-to-connect-with-your-kids-during-summer-vacation (accessed May 17, 2023).
- “Handy ideas to spend your summer vacation at home,” HDFCErgo, https://www.hdfcergo.com/blogs/home-insurance/handy-ideas-to-spend-your-summer-vacation-at-home (accessed May 17, 2023).
