How parents can connect with children this holiday

School holidays are always an interesting time for school going children. Many would be insincere if they said they enjoyed school more than the holidays. It is a time to do whatever they please without worries of schoolwork. The horror of hearing the morning prep or back-to-class bell is no more. Many students feel holidays are a time to visit friends, play video games and watch movies until their eyes are sore. It is a time to catch up on the latest music videos and dance moves and lots of other none academic activities. This in itself is not such a bad idea after all; work without play makes a child dull. More importantly, holiday s offer the best opportunity for family bonding. It is during this time that children can go and stay with an uncle, auntie or grandparents. While there, they are bound to learn many new things they may not have been able to learn while living with their parents. This bonding is good for family development. Students who go to boarding schools can utilise the holiday to catch up with family members especially busy parents who always leave very early in the morning and return late from work. The same parents are often too busy to visit their children at school to find out how they are faring academically. Busy parents who find difficulty connecting and communicating with their children can at least interest them in what they do for a living. Does your child know how you make the money he/she is always demanding from you? It is necessary for parents to talk to their children about what they exactly do for a living . You simply have to inform them about the benefits of your career, not to convince them to do what you do. Frankly, some children may not be envious of what their father does especially if he does not have a big SUV for a company car. Therefore, the goal should be to make them knowledgeable about your work and its value. For parents who run private businesses, try to equip your children with business skills. This instils the value of hard work and money. I know some parents who employ their children and pay them like other ordinary workers during holidays. These children are not expected to demand for luxurious items from parents since they have been earning money and can spend it as they wish. They learn quickly, how to be financially responsible. Such initiatives open up a child’s mind and go a long way in moulding them into future employable citizens or, better still, job creators. ssenyonga@gmail.com

Education

How parents can connect with children this holiday