The last few years have been a struggle for many. The pandemic brought isolation and loss, in addition to a complete restructuring of how they completed school and other activities. Children were impacted by this in various ways and the effects are still playing out today. This summer is the perfect time to help them process some of those feelings in ways that help them feel renewed and rejuvenated. Here are some ideas on how to do that.
Let them play and create.
Academically focused classes or camps to help them catch up or get ahead may be okay for some kids, but for most children, they need some time to decompress after a school year full of learning. Instead, focus on activities that get them outdoors to play, create, and be social. Group activities or camps that minimize exposure to electronics and combine learning or creativity are ingredients to rejuvenating their mind. The benefits of playing are huge, and many studies have been done to confirm this. Self-directed play helps improve the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young adults. Through play, children discover more about the world and about themselves. Play is also fun and helps release feelings of stress, which many children may feel at the end of a long school year.
Keep them socialized.
Keeping children and young adults socialized is very important – especially after all that we have been through in the last few years. Schedule regular play dates or hang out times with their friends or in other peer groups throughout the summer. This can also help bolster interpersonal skills, boost their confidence, and help them work on building stronger self-esteem. Not to mention, friendship and connection rejuvenates their hearts.
Keep a routine.
While summer is a time for fun, and it’s okay to take each day as it comes, it is okay to still maintain a sense of routine. Keeping your kids active in helping around the house with chores helps make them more responsible. Whether it’s getting outside to weed flower beds, organizing their playroom, unloading the dishwasher, or helping vacuum, giving your kids responsibilities helps them gain a sense of accomplishment and gives them important life skills – all of which help them be more capable adults later down the road.
Make rest a priority.
It’s fun to play, take summer vacations, and stay up late to enjoy the long, warm days of summer. While this is one form of rest and rejuvenation, ensure your kids get the sleep and rest they need. You can’t feel fully rejuvenated without solid rest. So, in the midst of all of your summer fun, keep rest a priority.
Rejuvenated kids are happy kids! So, this summer, make rejuvenation your goal.