How parents can make the most of their children’s summer vacations in Gurugram

Summer vacations started in schools in Gurugram only last week. But it won’t be long before a parent hears those dreaded words from their children – “I’m bored”. The summer days are long, mercury is soaring to 45 degrees Celsius and the heat wave is gripping the city. With nowhere to go out in the peak hours of the heat, the thought that you can keep your child occupied throughout can be a tall order. However, with a bit of planning, summer vacations can turn out to be the best time for your family.

Counselor and parenting coach Geetanjali Kumar says that it is important to show your child that you’re equally excited about summer vacations. “To see an excited parent is the best feeling that a child can get,” she says. “Summer vacations are the time when there is no hurry to do anything. There is no rush to go to school or to sleep early, which is why there is plenty of time for bonding.”

Following are some of the activities you can do with your kids:

Take your child to a museum: Museo Camera, a vintage camera museum, located in India Photo Archive’s headquarters in Gurugram, and its founder are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to photography. The Museum of Folk and Tribal art also showcases a wide variety of wonderful objects.

Encourage your child to read: One of the ways to ensure your child develops the habit of reading is by letting them read what they find enjoyable. Comic books can make for great reading material for kids. You can then slowly give them short stories to read.

Participate in outdoor sports: You can go for a badminton match with your child late evenings in your locality. Getting your kids to play outside isn’t just fun, it’s also good for them. You can go to the Leisure Valley Park and indulge in outdoor games with your kids.

Sleep in the same room: Since there is no pressure to wake up early the next day, sleeping in the same room creates conversations and leaves time for bed-time stories.

Assist your children in their homework; don’t do it for them.

Spend time with extended family: Going through family photographs and bonding with elders can make for a good learning lesson for the kids.

Talk about the weather, and other important things on the dinner table.

Cook food together.