My little friends must be feeling excited these days as the long summer vacation has begun. With the temperatures so high, you may not feel like doing much, but is it a good idea to spend all these months doing nothing?

There are many who chalk out a plan to make their vacation more interesting and worthwhile. So we’ve also tried to help you out with some tips to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Read on to find out what they are.

Follow a timetable

Although you are free from the strict regime of school days, never think that vacations are a time to stay up all night and sleep late into the day. This routine which most children follow is not only bad for their health, it is a strain for mummy’s work schedule too.

Getting up late means she will have to serve late breakfast and follow a late routine throughout the day. Remember that only you are on a vacation, not your mother. You need not get up at the usual school time but decide on a reasonable hour which is acceptable to both.

Maintain a balance

Most children are so addicted to television, computers, iPads, video games and cellphones, that they spend most of their time glued to them. This will turn you into couch potatoes and adversely affect your moods and appetite. Don’t spend more than two hours daily in these activities.

As the temperature decreases in the evenings, indulge in some outdoor activities. You can go for cycling or playing any outdoor game with your friends or siblings. You can go for a brisk walk in a nearby park, water your plants or just have a stroll. The evening breeze is soothing after the day’s heat and you will also get some exercise which is good for your health.

Read good books

Set aside some time each day for reading. Ask your friends or teachers for any good books they have read recently. If you are lucky enough to have a library nearby, ask your parents or elder siblings to take you there.

A group of children can also form a book-chain, in which each child buys one book and then lends it to a friend after reading it. In this way, you can read many books as each book goes from one child to another.

Create the habit of reading the newspaper everyday (something most of you don’t do). This will keep you updated on current affairs and also improve your general knowledge. If you are interested, you can cut out pictures and make a scrapbook of interesting events.

Improve your writing skills

Friends, vacations do not mean that you keep away paper and pen until schools reopen. Try to write something each day, so that you brush up your writing skills. You can maintain a daily diary, or write about an interesting event or experience. You may enjoy the memories of these moments when you read about them after some months or even years.

Make a vocabulary notebook of new words from the books you have read. Look up their meanings in the dictionary and try to use them in sentences of your own. You can also write stories for children’s magazines or send your opinion on articles you have read.

Learn something new

Most of my little friends are preoccupied with daily homework and routine tests when the school session is on. Vacation is a good time to learn something new. Look out for options which interest you. Try to find someone in your neighbourhood (or an older sibling) who can guide you. You can learn glass painting, flower making, candle-making, pot painting or even baking simple things with the help of your mothers. Learn simple gardening tips and grow some plants in pots. You can use glass bottles for growing money plant to keep indoors.

You can take help from the internet for these activities if you do not find anyone who can help you. There are many ‘Do-It-Yourself’ (DIY) tips you will easily find on different websites.

Spend time with grandparents

Children, maybe you do not realise that your grandparents are also looking forward to your vacation. This is your chance to spend more time with them or if they do not live with you, you can go to stay with them. They love to pamper you, play with you and relax all rules and regulations when you are around.

Your grandmother will love to cook your favourite dishes, while your grandfather will enjoy playing indoor games with you. Talk to them a lot and ask questions about their life. This will mean a lot to them and you will also be able to collect pearls of wisdom from their experiences.

Reconnect with family and friends

Throughout the academic year, children have a very busy routine. In the relaxing vacation days, plan to meet the members of your family you have not met for a long time. It may be an exciting experience to go to visit old neighbours and friends with whom you have lost connection. Share your experiences and ask for theirs since your last meeting. You may learn something new and worthwhile.

Don’t get on mummy’s nerves

The last tip is certainly not the least! Usually mothers complain that during vacation their kids give them a tough time. Instead of just lazing around, quarrelling or arguing with your siblings or making the lounge a mess the whole day, try to give her a couple of relaxing months too.

Help her by making your own bed and cleaning your room in the morning, laying and clearing the table and trying to keep everything in place. Instead of pestering her with unending questions of “What should we do now?” find a productive activity to keep yourself busy.

I hope these tips will be helpful for my little friends. Wish you all a very happy summer vacation!

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 4th, 2016