By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
“Holiday is coming, Holiday is coming,
No more clanging bells,
No more teachers’ cain.
Good bye teacher, Good bye scholars,
We are going on, a jolly holiday”.
Sure, you remember this old school song often rendered whenever holiday was approaching.
Though some schools are already on vacation, I’m very sure that is the song now on the lips of many pupils and students, including S.S3 and JS3 students writing NECO and BECE examinations.
It is with great joy and anxiety that pupils and parents look forward to a break at the end of the school session.
This is because, such would give parents some relief economically especially with the high cost of transportation now, while the children too are more relaxed at home ,having more time to sleep,eat and play.
Psychologically, the brain needs to rest having been subjected to rigorous academic work for months.So it is expected that children be given the opportunity to relax. This drives home the saying, “All work and no play,makes jack a dull boy”.
Work is always to be relieved by some form of play or recreation because constant pressure of work depresses the mind and impairs the health. So, when children find some time to play, their health rejuvenates and the soundness of their mind returns.
Beyond the physical activities one area that helps both the physical and mental rejuvenation of a child during the holidays is Bonding with the parents.
We rush them every day for school, all to return in the evening to catch up again .By this time, parents are tired, mother goes to the kitchen, children busy with their assignment with little or no supervision from parents. By the time dinner is ready, everybody eats and goes to bed and the routine continues like that.
Except we want to decieve ourselves, the daily struggle to make ends meet has deprived many children the attention needed from and strong feeling of closeness to their parents.
On weekends, some parents are honouring invitations to ‘Owambe’, meaning parties and by Sunday we are already preparing for another week.So where is the time for the kids?
Now that the children are on holidays, find time to bond with them.Yes, you may be going to work but prepare an atmosphere they would love, enjoy and remember for good.Work life balance is the optimum balance between our work, social and home lives.
Do not say you don’t have the time, create time and be intentional to make it up to your kids. Wake them up with a kiss, a hug ,and a reassuring smile.
It costs nothing but impacts much on a child. Prepare their food and ensure you put them in safe custody while away at work.
No matter how tired you are while returning from work, do not transfer the work stress to them.Ask God for grace to come back home cheerful, ready to receive their welcome too.Children are sensitive to moods.
When you’re off duty or during weekends, take them out on a walk. Let them enjoy and appreciate nature’s gifts around them As you go, respond to their questions and curiosity.Not everything is going a shopping or Cinema.
If you are the type that loves to party, you may have to cut down once a while to stay and play with the kids at home. Parenting is sacrificial,so you must not count it too much to sacrifice your time for them.
The benefits of spending quality time with your kids will reach far beyond their childhood.
Join me next week ,for more on parenting.You can follow the author on Facebook Olaitan Oye-Adeitan.
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