Child development and summer vacation

Is there anyone who doesn't love vacation? I think those who would say “yes” to this question are few and far between! If we set aside the minority who don't like vacations and continue with the majority who do, the value of vacations will be better understood! The word vacation is just as precious to children as it is to adults. 

Children, by their nature, want to move, explore, and have fun. Especially young children have an endless amount of energy when it comes to moving. When this energy is managed well, it supports children's cognitive, physical, and social development. There is a saying that doctors, pedagogues, and all professional groups specializing in children frequently repeat: “An active child is a healthy child, don't be afraid!” 

Yes, although this saying, which I have personally confirmed both through my expertise and my own parenting, is very true, it can sometimes tire out the adults around the child. Think of adults who want to spend their vacation resting and clearing their heads, and energy-filled children who cannot stand still for a moment; in fact, don't strain your mind too much, just looking around you is enough! Because this noisy scene, which looks quite ironic from the outside, is happening in many places these days.

So, is it possible to overcome this scene and have a summer vacation that brings both children and adults to a common ground? Yes, it is possible, and even possible with many alternatives! Today, I will talk to you a little about these alternatives. First of all, due to the current economic conditions, being able to take any vacation domestically or abroad is a great luxury for most of us. My suggestions will be about the vast majority who fall outside this lucky minority. 

Summer vacation is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated periods of the year for children. Getting away from the intense pace of school, spending time freely, traveling, discovering new places, and meeting new friends are certainly exciting for children. So, are all these very burdensome? Actually, with good planning, an economical and very productive summer period can be spent. Today, summer camps or summer schools offered by many municipalities or public institutions for free or for a nominal fee are good summer vacation opportunities for children. Such opportunities should be evaluated, and children's participation in such organizations should be supported. Spending time with their peers will develop children more than you might imagine. If you pay attention, when children spend time with their peers, their stress levels drop, they become happier, and they express themselves better. Also, when your children participate in such activities, you can create an opportunity for yourself to rest!

Taking your children to children's libraries, parks, open-air areas, or museums during the summer vacation is also a great idea, and rest assured, this activity, which might be ordinary for you, will leave lasting marks in children's minds. Having daily reading hours, listening to music and dancing, or engaging in sports activities will both strengthen your bond with your children and support your children's physical, cognitive, psychological, and social development.

Bringing your children together with nature and visiting villages, towns, or hometowns will be a unique experience, especially for children living in the city. Do you think children who see for themselves that milk comes from a cow and eggs from a chicken would want to spend time watching television or playing with phones and tablets? Rest assured, all children, when given the opportunity, will want to spend time with nature, animals, or their peers, not with screens. Perhaps the biggest problem for children today is that they are trying to grow up within four walls, which is contrary to their nature. Summer vacation is an important opportunity for children to escape from within those four walls and breathe; please, as parents, let's not miss this opportunity this summer!