IT is obvious that school holidays are special periods set aside in the academic calendar for pupils and students to rest after being engaged in various school activities.
Therefore, it behooves parents and guardians to see the holidays as a time mainly for their children to spend with them, allowing pupils and students to enjoy their break, recharge and refresh for the transition to a higher class.
The holidays should not become an avenue for parents to burden their children with more schoolwork in the form of summer classes or lessons. They should be allowed to rest after a yearlong stretch of academic activities. This helps to avoid unnecessary pressure and confusion in the children, as their brains need time to rest. Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Parents and guardians are advised to use this holiday period as an opportunity to know their children better. Since students spend most of their time with friends during the school term, especially boarding students, this is the time to engage them in meaningful and educative conversations. Parents should ask about their struggles and fears, both in school and in life generally, and help them overcome these challenges.
Since wards are on holiday, parents are encouraged to involve them in profitable activities such as tailoring, catering, barbing and other skills that can help them discover hidden talents and explore their personal interests. Parents can also take their children to recreational centres such as wildlife parks, where they can spend quality time together, or to museums where children can learn about science and technology, history and culture, as well as art and creativity.
Children, on their part, should assist parents during the long vacation by running errands and participating in household chores such as fetching water, washing plates, general cleaning and other tasks. This will help reduce the workload on parents, who also need rest during the holiday period.
Wards should ensure they obey their parents’ instructions, rather than being rude or disrespectful. This is the time to make oneself useful, helpful and supportive. Create a niche for yourself through your contributions at home.
The holiday should not be an avenue for children to make trouble or cause problems for their parents. Instead, they should strive to be on their best behaviour and make their parents happy.
Children should also keep their surroundings clean and avoid littering their environment, as a dirty home is unpleasant to live in. Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Also, children can help in caring for pets by feeding them, walking them or keeping them clean. They can also offer to assist with small tasks such as preparing simple meals and setting the table before eating, as a way of showing appreciation and support to their parents.
Rejoice Bitrus is on IT with THE NIGERIA STANDARD from Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State