Holidays provide a good opportunity for young children to have fun with the family experience new things, and grow in new directions. Spring break and summer vacation are ideal for taking up hobbies and learning to be creative. But, to turn a good break into a great one, kids want that ‘fun’ element. Here’s how Hawaii holiday breaks can be made more fun:
Proper planning – Parents should ask their children what they think their ideal summer should be. Don’t be shocked at their answers; rather stay open to their ideas like playing video games all day or going to pool. Interacting with them is essential. Give them a patient hearing, putting in ideas that encourage them to dream big. After everything has been said and heard, create a plan that is mutually acceptable.
Communicate your expectations – It is important for you and your children to get clear about household expectations during summer, with schedules being less structured than usual. Communicate these expectations with regard to different perspectives like - household chores, friends, schoolwork, activities, etc.
Check Internet activities – It is incorrect on the part of parents to feel their children are ‘immune’ to any foul play on the Internet. Of late, Internet safety and teens have received a lot of media attention. Internet is ‘capable’ of spelling problems for anyone, no matter what the age of the user. It actually pays to monitor the online activities of your children.
Look forward to a ‘blast’ - summer breaks can be pure fun. Be innovative enough to figure out new things you can do as a family or something your children can try independently. Plan in advance to visit a new park, or the City Museum or Botanical Gardens, have picnic dinners, explore new sites. Keep your children actively involved in such activities. A new tradition of ‘pancake’ Saturdays or a unique night-game might well be your creation. You can ask everyone to make a list of the top ten fun things they want to do this summer, and see who can perform at least five of the others’.
Know the friends of your children – Undoubtedly, a key part of every teen’s life is friends. Your children usually look up to their friends for support and guidance. They are often one of the biggest influences on the decisions your children make. Summer is a great time for making new friends or hanging out with old ones. It will help your equation with your children if you know who their closes are and what their social life is like.
Let learning be fun - Summer breaks should not mean that it is time to stop learning. Learning should continue, though not in the school format. Make learning fun for your children with guidance from their teachers. You can plan to read a book together, or share ideas from the different books read. Important learning skills can also be integrated with family trips in Main Island, experiences, or different types of outdoor exploration.
