The summer break is nearly upon us and you may be wanting some ideas to keep your children calm, happy and occupied. There is a wealth of research into how nature and creativity help our children’s developing minds, including strengthening synapses in the Prefrontal Cortex area of the brain essential for managing challenges, focusing and relating in healthy ways.
In the digital age, children of all ages will benefit greatly from space outdoors, free from devices. It’s likely that when this is first suggested they will not be up for a walk in the woods - after all, it can be difficult for a young brain to weigh up the benefits and to imagine into how much they may enjoy it. However, stick to your plan and once out and about, the fresh air and space will provide plenty of distractions and Endorphins (the happy hormones!). There are a lot of great walks through woodland or beaches in West Sussex, such as Eartham Woods, Halnaker Windmill, Kingly Vale, Bognor Beach, Climping, East and West Witterings. Your child may enjoy a nature hunt, or if you are able to build a den this might be a good place for a picnic!
If it’s raining, indoor crafting might be a good option, such as saving a ‘Rainy Day’ bag of cardboard scraps so that they can build whatever they can imagine. An indoor homemade tent out of chairs and blankets could provide a fun spot for a carpet picnic. There are also crafting centres nearby, such as Gigi’s Inspirations in East Wittering with a host of different art options available (you may wish to call to check what is on, 01243 672888). Hobbycraft has an amazing variety of art supplies and charity shops can also be fun places to find treasures that can be re-cycled into creative projects.
It might help to remember the importance we bring to modelling how things are done - if your child is reluctant or doesn’t find it possible to commit to making something, they may need you to sit alongside to show them how and to make something together. If it’s possible let them lead the way with their ideas as this will increase their confidence (even if you consider a different way would work better), it’s important for children to make mistakes and then see how they may wish to fix these, without our desire to quickly make something easy for them. If we show children that we are easily distracted - such as reaching for our phones or doing something nonessential, they will also model this too, and be less likely to focus on an activity. Children benefit so much from just playing in our company, for us to be there with them fully, minus distractions and even just by watching them play ‘playing in the presence of’, does heaps to build their confidence and self esteem.
There is also a lot to be said for ‘down time’ just relaxing at home, without lots of activities, time to rest and recuperate - schools are very busy places and your child will gain a lot from quieter periods.
If you feel overwhelmed with the prospect of the long break, try to plan ahead so you can build in some much needed time out for yourself, whatever might possible - it’s so important you can keep your fuel tank as level as possible so that you can help your children regulate. See if you can book in some play dates and time to swap with other parents perhaps? Nothing beats face to face interactions especially if your child usually opts for online time with friends.
I hope you have a great summertime!
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