School holiday is the best time for parents to unwind, relax, have fun, and reconnect with family. However, long stretches of free time can sometimes lead to boredom and excessive screen time for our children.
Drawing on insights from SPH Kemang Village’s recent parent seminar, “Summer Safety 101,” led by Mr. Jason Theophilus (EdTech Coordinator) and Mr. Calum Walker (Makerspace Coordinator), this blog aims to equip you with practical strategies to keep your child engaged and create lasting summer memories.
Embracing Boredom
Before we jump into the five top holiday tips to beat holiday boredom, let’s acknowledge that boredom, while often seen as negative, can be positive. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A little boredom for children and adults can be a good thing.” Boredom sparks creativity and encourages children to explore their imaginations. However, in today’s fast-paced world filled with instant gratification, it can be challenging for them to embrace unstructured time. The answer? Providing engaging alternatives to screen time.
Now, let’s get into the 5 top holiday tips to make the most out of it!
1. Combating Boredom with Structure
Having a structure for the summer helps alleviate boredom and creates a sense of rhythm for everyone. Consider these three planning areas:
Daily Plans: Create a list of activities your child can choose from each day. This could include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) projects, arts and crafts sessions, or playdates. Pinterest and other online resources offer a wealth of inspiration!
Family Plans: Schedule outings like family photoshoots, day trips, or even a summer vacation!
Personal Plans: This is where your child’s unique interests shine. Does your child enjoy a particular hobby or summer school program? Make space for these activities as well.
2. Turning the Tables: From Screen Time to Real-World Fun
Video games can be a source of entertainment and learning, but a balance is key. Here’s how to translate the fun of online games into engaging, real-world activities:
Building/Crafting Games (Minecraft, Roblox): Break out the Legos, build forts, or tackle age-appropriate carpentry projects. Even helping with gardening can be a fun, hands-on experience.
Strategy Games (Civilization, Age of Empires): Dust off those board games like chess, Risk, or Ticket to Ride. These games can spark discussions about history and different cultures.
Racing Games (Mario Kart, Forza): Get active with bike rides, build and race remote-controlled cars, or play sports that involve running or cycling.
Dress-up/Fashion Games (Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing): Channel your inner fashionista with dress-up sessions, design clothes or costumes, or put on a family fashion show.
Simulation Games (The Sims, Stardew Valley): Caring for pets, helping with chores, or volunteering at animal shelters or community gardens are all great ways to connect with living things.
Social Games (Fortnite, Animal Crossing): Promote social interaction with group games outdoors, joining clubs or sports teams, or volunteering with friends.
The key is to find activities that tap into the same skills and interests that your child enjoys in the online world. This will make the transition away from the screen more appealing. Stuck for ideas? Use AI assistants like Google Gemini! Simply type in the game your child plays and ask for activity substitutes.
3. Building Schedules
Creating a schedule with your child at the beginning of summer provides a sense of structure and ownership. Schedules benefit children in three ways:
Autonomy: Feeling in control of their choices fosters a sense of volition and freedom.
Competence: Mastery, progression, and achievement contribute to a child’s sense of competence.
Relatedness: Knowing they are important to others and that others are important to them strengthens a child’s sense of belonging.
Don’t forget to explore the many family-friendly activities available around Jakarta – we’ve included a list for your reference in the presentation slide at the end of this blog!
4. Making Screen Time Meaningful
While we advocate for alternatives, complete tech bans aren’t always realistic. The “5C Method” developed by org (read more) can help ensure safe and appropriate screen time.
Here are the 5 Cs to consider:
Child: Who is your child? What are their interests and motivations for using technology?
Content: What are they accessing? Is it age-appropriate and educational?
Calm: How does technology make your child feel? Does it promote relaxation or frustration?
Crowding Out: What other activities could they be doing instead of screen time?
Communication: Do you have regular conversations with your child about their online activities?
5. Utilizing Technology for Good
Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and engagement. Here are a few ideas:
Spark Curiosity: Use technology to pose “what-if” questions and explore different scenarios.
AI for Understanding: Consider using AI assistants like Google Gemini to gain insights into your child’s interests and recommend activities.
Digital Meets Physical: Many apps and websites offer printable activity pages that combine technology with real-world activities (e.g., com/activities/, tinytruthsbible.com/resources).
Conclusion
We hope this guide equips you for a fun-filled and enriching summer with your children. Remember, these activities are not just about beating boredom but also about building lasting bonds and fostering your child’s growth.
We hope these holiday tips equip you for a fun-filled and enriching summer with your children. As you plan for your child’s school holiday, you would want to consider partnering with schools that offer engaging holiday programs. Schools with annual holiday programs, such as Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), provide structured activities, social interaction, and educational opportunities that keep your child active and engaged during the summer. By collaborating with the right school, you can ensure your child makes the most of their holiday time, developing new skills and creating cherished memories.
Learn more about SPH’s Summer Program at sph.edu/summer.
