The Perfect Summer Vacation: 3 Family Bonding Activities for Holistic Child Development.

Summer is the perfect time for children to unwind, explore, and discover new hobbies. However, with parental involvement, this experience can be so much richer and more meaningful. Here are some activities parents can do with their children this summer:

Encourage Your Child’s Interests and Hobbies

A trending question among parents online is whether they should encourage their children to pursue personal interests and hobbies. About 80% of parents agree that helping their children develop hobbies is beneficial. One parent shared, “I want my child to have a hobby because it will help them forget their boredom, release negative emotions, and motivate themselves during difficult times.”

In today’s fast-paced society, academic pressure can cause children just as much stress as adults face in their jobs. Hobbies like art, music, or sports can provide valuable relaxation and a much-needed break from intense studying. Top students are not just bookworms; they have diverse interests that enrich their lives.

For example, Ye Yiming, a top scorer in the university entrance exams in Zhejiang, China, achieved an impressive 716/750. Beyond academics, Ye is also a passionate pianist and has been accompanying the school choir since elementary school.

Summer is the perfect opportunity for children to explore and develop their hobbies. While there are no guarantees of future success, these pursuits will help children uncover their unique potentials and add value to their lives.

Get Active with Your Child

In today’s world, many people only start paying attention to their health when their bodies show signs of distress. For example, they may cut down on sweets when they have a toothache or reduce screen time when their eyesight deteriorates. But these consequences can be avoided by taking preventive measures early on. This is also true for the development of young children.

With packed schedules, children today have less and less time for physical activity, which takes a toll on their health. Summer is the perfect time for parents to encourage their children to engage in more physical activities, especially outdoors. Try to spend at least an hour each day being active with your child. This will not only strengthen your bond but also contribute positively to your child’s physical and mental development.

Yang Xia, a psychologist at the Beijing Union University Hospital, has treated over 100,000 children with learning and attention difficulties over three decades. She found that the primary cause was not personal issues but a lack of physical activity.

Read with Your Child

While most people understand the importance of reading, not everyone knows how to cultivate a love of reading in their children. Many parents worry when their children show little interest in books.

In a survey, 90% of parents admitted that they don’t regularly read at home but still want their children to love reading. If parents don’t read themselves and don’t create an environment that encourages reading, it’s unlikely that children will develop this habit.

Dong Qing, a famous Chinese TV host, shared her insight: “If you want your child to become a certain type of person, you must first embody those qualities yourself.”

So, this summer, if you want your child to put down their phone and stay away from games, the most effective way is to lead by example. Put your phone away and pick up a book. Your child might not immediately follow suit, but with persistence, you’ll see positive changes as they develop a curiosity for learning.

Children are like blank canvases, and parents are the painters of their future. As the Montessori philosophy emphasizes, “Our actions as adults leave a deep impression on children and greatly influence their future path.”

Therefore, each summer vacation is not just an opportunity for children to grow but also a test for adults in fostering and shaping a love of reading.