Beyond screens: A meaningful summer

Making productive use of the summer holiday requires a balanced approach, so that it is neither a period of complete leisure and chaos nor a second school semester that overwhelms children and prevents them from experiencing diverse and enriching activities. Instead, it should be structured in a way that balances play, physical activity and time with friends on one hand, with academic activities that reinforce what they learned during the school year on the other. It should also include taking on limited responsibilities at home to develop their sense of responsibility..

According to Joyce El Khaï, a psychomotor therapy specialist and family coach, the aim is to develop skills that are not usually prioritized during the school year, such as self-confidence, independence, communication, movement, creativity, drawing, and artistic and sports activities. These experiences help foster children’s critical thinking and allow them to approach problem-solving in ways that differ from traditional academic methods.

She also stresses the importance of not fearing free or boredom, and of avoiding the urge to keep children occupied throughout the entire day. Allowing them unstructured time encourages them to think, create, and find their own ways to entertain themselves, indirectly contributing to the development of their imagination, problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, and independence in managing their free time.

El Khaï explains that summer activities should be selected according to the child’s age, personal interests and preferences, so that they feel happy, comfortable and motivated. She recommends diversifying activities between sports and physical activities, as well as creative activities such as drawing and music, in order to develop children’s skills and abilities.

She also highlights the importance of social activities and interacting with other children to strengthen communication skills away from screens, while allocating time for intellectual activities through summer lessons, educational games or reading.

El Khaï believes that this balance can be achieved when parents understand that children do not always need a pen and paper to learn. Learning can also take place through play, organizing their rooms and toys, making their beds, drawing and coloring.

Any activity, regardless of its nature, can become a learning opportunity that develops children’s abilities and everyday skills, while maintaining a calm and simple morning routine to reinforce the academic skills they acquired during the school year.

Regarding the importance of the social skills children acquire in summer camps, she says: “The summer holiday provides an opportunity to develop their relational skills outside the classroom environment and away from teachers’ role in managing relationships. Through participating in group activities with others, children develop skills such as listening, making requests, respecting others, cooperating, waiting their turn, standing up for their rights when they feel they have been treated unfairly, and solving problems. These are skills that cannot be acquired through advice alone, but through experience.”

If parents are unable to enroll their children in summer camps, El Khaï says they can still make positive use of their time by involving them in household tasks that suit their age and abilities, such as organizing their belongings, toys and tidying their beds, helping prepare the dining table, and rewarding their efforts regardless of the outcome.

Children can also use household items to create games, draw, practise handicrafts and read. They can play with building blocks and other activities while learning to organize their own time so they do not feel pressured or bored.

On choosing activities, she says: “The first consideration should be whether the activity is suitable for the child’s age, abilities and interests, and whether it avoids putting them in a situation of failure or pressure. Although traditional sports and artistic activities are indeed beneficial, there are also simple activities that can be practiced, such as walking in nature, playing in parks, and interacting with other children away from screens and isolation at home.

Artistic activities such as music, theatre and handicrafts also help children express themselves and their emotions in a constructive and beneficial way, while developing their imagination and creativity in an enjoyable and comfortable environment away from screens.”

However, with technology-based activities becoming increasingly popular, are they not important as well? She answers: “Since we live in a technological era where technology has become an integral part of our lives, our children’s lives and their future, they must learn how to use and apply it in a conscious and age-appropriate way under parental supervision.

This means setting limits on screen time so that it does not replace time dedicated to physical activity, social interaction, sleep and rest. Technology use should be effective and positive, focusing on developing skills such as programming, design, research and creating artistic projects rather than watching random videos or playing inappropriate games.”

As for the ideal summer program, El Khaï advises parents not to search for a perfect one, as it does not truly exist. Instead, they should start with a simple and realistic plan that meets the family’s needs, suits children’s ages and interests, fits within the parents’ budget, and allows them to provide diverse activities without creating pressure or burdens.

Most importantly, parents should avoid comparing their children’s summer holidays with those of others. What matters most is that children feel secure and maintain a positive relationship with their families, giving them the opportunity to develop their abilities and discover themselves while enjoying a meaningful summer holiday regardless of the activities they choose.