The summer heat is upon us, and soon the school holidays will start too. Having an energetic 8 year old at home all day can test the patience of a saint. I have already started preparing my son and myself so that we don’t get on each others’ nerves all day. Here are a few things I have lined up for him so that I don’t get to hear the phrase “I’m Bored” a hundred times a day!
- For the first 10 days of holiday, there will be no restriction on screen and play time as long as basic schedule (meal and sleep times) don’t change. Post that, screen time will be an hour per day.
- There will be a tray of 4-5 snacks laid out every day (including fruits) to be had throughout the day. Not to mention bottles of water.
- Since it is too hot to be playing outside in the day time, he can either go to a friend’s house or have them over for a few hours in the afternoon. Early mornings and evenings he should be playing outside.
- After the first 10 days, there will be a worksheet he has to complete every day before/after breakfast before he can play.
- He can ask me to help him with any art/craft projects he wants to do (we have a few lined up) in advance so I can plan my time.
- He will have a few hours of solitary play for which he has plenty of toys like Lego, trains, trucks etc. He uses them to role play and make up stories and scenarios that are crucial to hone creativity and imagination.
- He already goes to learn Taekwondo and gymnastics. I will add swimming, since he loves it, and dance since he’s scared of it.
- He also has a shelf full of books and games he can read/play.
How are you planning to spend the summer holidays with your kids?
Love, Life, & Beyond 