2016 Apr 4
Parenting with Joanne
As the holiday season draws near, the question of “how will I keep my children occupied?” arises almost inevitably. For some of us, we have the option of taking a week or two off from work and spending them with our children. For others it may be a time when you seek help from loved ones and friends to assist in watching your children while you are away at work. Whatever the personal situation maybe, it is important for us to pay closer attention to the activities that make up the holiday season so as to ensure a good balance. Here are a few tips that can help you in this regard.
Fun with food
Holidays bring with them outings, family gatherings and other social rendezvous more than on other occasions. Use these experiences to teach your child good eating habits. Encourage them to serve for themselves at buffets; encourage them to try out as many items as possible by serving less of each item at a given time. Eating can be made fun this way, not to mention the learning that automatically takes place. You can also gently reinforce good table manners at these gatherings. At home, you can get your children involved in cooking and serving meals. Show them how a simple meal is cooked and encourage them to make something on their own. There is tremendous confidence that builds up in a child when he can cook and serve a meal on his own.
Fun outdoors
It is becoming increasingly common to find young children “glued” to their iPhones, phones and other electronic devices whenever they have time to themselves. What seems to be lacking though, is the ability to play a sport outdoors in good spirit and comradeship. Why not use the holiday season to develop this much needed virtue? Encourage your children to play a game of cricket, basketball or netball with friends in the neighborhood or classmates who live close by. Remember, that socializing is also a skill that needs to be developed in the right manner. It is important for children to learn healthy ways of socializing from very early in life.
Take hobbies to a different level
If your child is naturally fond of reading, use the hobby to enhance her knowledge of a language and ability for critical thinking by encouraging her to do a book review on the book that she is reading. On the other hand, if your child is naturally into outdoor games, encourage him to create a portfolio for learning more about the specific sport he is interested in; the history, origin, and specifics regarding the sport. Interest learning is the best possible form of learning because the process is something that is self-inspired. It isn’t cumbersome for the child.
Spend time with your child
Last but definitely not the least, is for you to actually spend quality time with your child. The school term carries with it tumultuous emotions for a growing child. Making and losing friends, rising to meet exam standards or failing to make the mark; are all experiences that leave an impression in your child whether or not you see it. Spend time with your child talking about school and other matters that concern him. Show him that you care about every detail in his life. Show him what things worked for you in your childhood and help him learn life lessons.
Joanne Sathyadass has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism, Psychology and English Literature from the University of Bangalore now serving as a Special Needs Educator
For any queries please email Joanne on joanne.parenting@gma
