Last week was a milestone for many students who have finally triumphed from this academic schoolyear’s challenges. There are those who have bid goodbye to university life and many have crossed another milestone as they move up to a new educational level.
Summer beckons. Despite the blistering heat, this period is a respite from 10 months of back breaking school work and the manic pace of doing things right, especially parents who are frazzled on a daily basis, juggling work and family all the time.
Summer offers space to intentionally strengthen bonds with family. With more relaxed schedules, families can now have some dedicated time for shared experiences. This could be as simple as regular family dinners or going on weekend trips to explore nearby attractions. It doesn’t have to be expensive – we are, afterall, trying to save some cash for the next school year. These shared moments, no matter how humble, create a sense of belonging. It is also a good time for intergenerational connections when children spend time with grandparents or other relatives and listen to their stories and learn family history.
I asked one of the “boomer moms” to share her ideas on how to enrich the summer experience of young children or even teenagers. Josie, whose kids are all grown up, said the opportunity for exploration and discovery is a perfect activity especially because this weans them away from gadgets. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it could just be venturing beyond familiar neighborhoods and visiting local museums, historical sites, or nature parks. Even exploring different parts of their own city or town can open their eyes to new perspectives.
Summer is the perfect time to cultivate new skills and hobbies. For Millennial Moms, your child might be curious to know more about technology. There are numerous online platforms offering introductory courses. If they like music, exploring a new instrument could be incredibly rewarding. Maybe they’re fascinated by the culinary arts? Helping with simple recipes can spark a lifelong passion. Summer provides the relaxed atmosphere to experiment without the pressure of academic performance, allowing children to discover hidden talents and build confidence.
As an advocate of art, we realized that creative expression often takes a backseat during the school year. At La Herencia Art Center, there is always and art exhibit or art workshop going on. Encouraging children to engage in activities like painting, drawing, writing stories, putting on plays, or even learning photography can provide the space for creativity the children need. These activities not only provide hours of engaging fun but also foster imagination, problem-solving skills, and emotional expression. A simple notebook can become a journal filled with summer adventures, sketches, and thoughts, creating a tangible keepsake of their experiences.
We all know that physical activity and outdoor adventures are crucial for both physical and mental well-being. We are blessed to have ridge to reef options here in the city. Hiking, trekking and camping just within the region can be easily had. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature not only strengthens the body but the soul, as well.
Back in the day, we were encouraged to participate in community service projects, like cleaning up a local park or teaching young children catechism at the local chapel. These activities taught us a sense of responsibility and empathy as well as broadened our social horizons.
Summer should not be spent inside the room playing with gadgets or watching Netflix. Summer means getting a good sunburn, inhaling fresh air, getting clothes dirty and your mind healthy.
