A Productive Summer for Kids

CEBU, Philippines - Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

It's summer and kids love the long vacation - with no school projects and homework to juggle. They have all the time to sleep late, play hard, and enjoy the break!

 At this time of the year, most people, especially little kids, easily become time-wasters. They spend endless time watching TV, net surfing, playing online games, and lounging on the couch.

 Time is a tricky concept - even for parents. Time either drags on like forever or flies so fast if not used productively. That is why the long summer break often goes without anyone noticing it. When kids are enjoying, time inexplicably runs so fast.

It is wise, therefore, to properly plan the kids' summer. It is a great waste of time to just let them play computer games until classes start again. Here are tips that the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund suggests to make the children's summer vacation more memorable and productive:

1. Schedule daily routines.

If your children are used to waking up six in the morning during school days, don't let them sleep their summertime day away. Summer is not about sleeping all day, hiding beneath the covers. Teach and assign the kids with daily chores to do.

There is no excuse in not washing dishes after meals. Ask the children to help, to offer you a hand. This way they learn to set priorities and to value time.

For your five-year-old toddlers, start with simple routines. For example, tell them to "Wash your hands before eating your cereal," or "Pick up your toys after playing." It's also good to talk with them about the length of each routine activity, in order to make the little ones get an idea of the duration of the task.

But keep them motivated to do the task, to really want to be productive, instead of keeping their eyes on the clock.

2. Pick a hobby to learn.

Do your children love to learn biking or playing volleyball? Have them try sports activities this vacation! Pick a date and have them start practicing a particular sport!

Having them learn a hobby helps keep them from getting bored over the summertime. If not sports, make them learn an essential skill.

First, think of a hobby that's in line with the kids' interests. What are the things they wished doing but had no time for? Might they be interested in painting their own graffiti? Or let the children challenge themselves with a more complex hobby. Help them learn to paint, draw, sing, etc.

3. Hit the road with the family.

Why stay indoors when you could hit the open road for an exciting adventure with your kids? Put on some sunscreen and let everybody scoot outside and have fun.

Do not go to the same old place if there's somewhere new to head out to. For sure the kids would love it! Backpacking is a good alternative activity that the family can try on a weekend or holiday; all the more this summer, as the kids have days to spare. A road trip offers best memories to treasure. Involve the children in planning or running the logistics, or, better yet, let them do it themselves. This is another ideal way for them to spend their time and learn to hold responsibilities.

A beach getaway or a one-night camp is also a good family activity. There are a lot of choices to select from.  Even a simple the activity can be fun if done together with loved ones.

4. Be artsy and traditional!

Why not try also easy art projects this summer? Many craft ideas require very little adult supervision. It can be a lot of fun for kids! Just be sure to choose the right craft project for your children's age and interests.

If your children are old enough and skilled with scissors, then making alphabet refrigerator magnets with foam letters is a great activity. If not, buy pre-made foam letters and let them stick the magnets to the foam. The real fun begins when they start building words and letters on every metal surface they can find. 

Or have the kids try making collage of favorite family pictures or come up with an alphabet book. They may also fashion friendship bracelets that they can give as presents to their friends during birthdays.

Traditional games like "tubig-tubig" and "patintero" are activities that are either familiar or easy to learn. Teach your children "sungka," which is played on a carved wood with two rows of small pits and two large pits at both ends called "balay." The goal is to collect as many shells as possible from the opponent player. The game ends when no more shells are left in the pits.

Teaching the kids traditional games is the way to pass on to them all-time favorite pastimes that are perfect for summer.

5. Join in community programs.

Cooking "lugaw" (porridge) for street children, participating in a community clean-up drive, do storytelling to other kids, and tree planting are only a few of the various civic activities that you may tag the kids along to and let them help in.

Create opportunities for your kids where they can show kindness to others for them to experience the good feeling in reaching out. Emphasizing to children the value of compassion helps them become more sensitive to other people's feelings and situations.

  Children develop empathy by getting involved in service. Community service exposes  them to real-life situations. Only make sure that the community service you pick fit the  children's talents, level of maturity, and interests.

It's important to teach children proper time management. It's about changing their attitude towards time, for them to think up and involve themselves in productive activities to fill their time in this long season.  (FREEMAN)