As we head into the holidays, we are all excited to relax and unwind. There are great places to see and activities to do, some of which you can explore at Visit NSW's website.
It's important to remember that while having fun is key, it is helpful to to be aware that taking a break contributes to the development of interpersonal and social skills and values that are vital for children in succeeding at school and life in general.
Holidays are periods where children can learn about other cultures, relationships and participate in other non-social activities that nurture their mental health and well-being. Dealing with conflict resolutions, learning how to respect differences are just some of the ways that children can personally benefit over the summer.
Breaks from school can also help children recharge their physical, mental and social energies. Children's energy are finite resources and they, like any other human, need time to recharge. Family relationships are also vital for a child's wellbeing so having dedicated time over the holidays to engage in family activities together is a great way to nurture trust and reconnect away from a packed schedule.
Some great ways to help your children recharge over the summer and build connection are:
- Spend time together in nature. This is a cost-effective and can include activities such as camping, day trip to the beach and bushwalking. Check out some of Sydney's best children-friendly bushwalking and campsites here.
- Set aside time to nurture creative skills, away from technology. Activities such as art classes and dance groups are fantastic options. Consider the following organisations and the classes they offer:
- Try planning a no-technology or no-internet day to help yourself and children self-regulate away from the constant flow of information, news and entertainment provided by social media. Head on over to the Cybersafety & Technology Community to check out our resources on the safety and mental health of children in today's digital age.
- For kid's aged 3 to 8 years, guide them in understanding mindfulness and mental health. Smiling Mind is a great online resource that presents a series of 18 animated videos, each 2 minutes long, exploring positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
We hope everyone has a great summer!