10 Ways To Engage Your Child This Season

Come summer, and kids can’t wait to sit back, relax and do everything they weren’t allowed to till they finished their homework or cleaned their rooms. This much-awaited break from their routine school week does mean that most kids might just want to veg out in front of the telly. And while it’s okay to let them enjoy their free time, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re rendered unproductive. Here are some fun ways to keep your children engaged, and perhaps even learning, throughout their summer break.

- Charlene Flanagan

Summer has officially begun. For most parents, this means no more shuffling between football practice, piano lessons or coaching classes to keep up with busy schedules. After all, school’s out and your children can’t wait to be carefree! However, to some kids, that might just mean huddling over their phones or gadgets, playing their games, watching movies and being antisocial. But, the summer is a great time to pick out a new activity for your children, keeping them physically active, energetic, and mentally stimulated by helping them develop a new skill or two. It is the best way to raise a well-rounded child. And we have just the list!

1 Fitness first

Whether it is playing a sport, joining a yoga class or teaching them to swim, physical activities are a great way to increase muscle strength. Moreover, studies have shown that children who swam particularly during their developmental years achieved their mental and physical prowess faster than their nonactive counterparts. It’s also a great life skill to possess. Besides, cooling off in a swimming pool is the ideal way to spend a hot summer’s day. You won’t hear any complaints!

2 Kitchen confidential

As much as you may abhor the cleanup afterward, cooking is a much-needed life skill to teach your children, one that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Moreover, cooking is a great way of getting your kids to try out new foods, drive away the fussiness, and even appreciate the time, effort and energy that goes into meal prep, making them appreciate you that much more. If that’s not all, cooking, baking, and following recipes can have a very practical use for simple math, and also helps your child adopt healthier eating habits.

3 Learn a new language