How have the summer holidays been going? Are you coping or are you on the verge of a breakdown? If you seem to be struggling with managing your children during these summer holidays we are here to help! In Malta, our summer holidays are extra-long and anyone who comes from another country is usually shocked when they hear that we almost have 3 full months of school vacation. This is why having a plan in place can help you and your children make the most out of the holidays.
Make sure to have a routine in place. Plan out day to day what you are going to do and let your children know what will be happening that day. This allows them to mentally prepare for the day ahead and they will also be less bored if they know that activities are planned. Having routines and plans also will help when it is time to go back to school as it won’t be such a shock to the system. This includes having days where children are woken up early.
Planning playdates are also important for your child. Don’t allow the whole summer to go by with your child not meeting up with other children their own age. This will make them feel more anxious when they go back to school and they won’t have time to work on their social skills if they are only around adults for the whole duration of the holidays. Playdates allow children to have fun, develop social skills, and meet new friends.
Find fun activities that do not involve technology. Although an iPad is very entertaining and so is the television, these shouldn’t be relied on as the main form of entertainment. There are many ideas for activities to do online and these can be indoor activities just as crafts or outdoor adventures. We even have some crafts ideas for little ones to try out that we will link below 😊 Also remember to inform any other caretakers that technology time is limited. If you take your child to their aunties or grandparents when you are at work, it is important for them to know that they shouldn’t allow your child unlimited time playing online games or watching cartoons as this habit will be hard to break.
Remember to enjoy their holidays with them. Take the time to learn more about your child and teach them new life skills!
Here are some craft ideas:
https://www.childcaremalta.mt/arts-and-crafts/
Why not try going outdoors for some adventure:
https://www.childcaremalta.mt/the-great-outdoors/
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