How To Have A Meaningful Summer With Your Family

Summer! Photo screencapped from YouTube

When I was growing up, summer means staying in the province. It was a time of play and being carefree. I don’t know what happened but now, summer means enrolling kids in a multitude of extra-curricular activities. Imagine, my son, at 2, being asked if he would be doing swimming lessons! I guess summer means the exploration of other activities other than academics. Hmm… thinking about it, maybe I don’t have any talents because I was just lazying around back then, lol! It can get overwhelming with all the possible choices but don’t fret. Organized by YBS, we, the SoMoms, had our first #BetterMe session for the year with Life-Coach extraordinaire, Coach Pia Acevedo of The One Core. We talked about strengthening and developing better family habits this summer.

Here are some tips:

1. Keep in mind that it is not about you. It is not about what you want; what you did not get to do when you were younger; it should not be something your kid has to do because someone else’s kid is doing it. It should always be what your child wants and if you have the right resources to sign up for it. Don’t go behind your child’s back and sign him/her up for something. Make sure to ask, and be open to suggestions.

2. The main objective for extra-curricular activities is for the child to explore their talents. There should be no expectations or undue pressure. Your best bet is to observe a class first or avail of free trial sessions. Then assess by asking your child “What do you think if we continue (insert class here)?” or “How would you feel if …?” By using these lines, the decision-making would seem to come from your child. Coach Pia also advises not to give intrinsic rewards as this may send the wrong message to your child. Trying something new and overcoming a barrier (ie. shyness) is in fact a reward in itself.

3. Simplify. Rather than stress on something grand, it is probably better to just go with the flow. If your child is not interested in any class, make his stay at home worthwhile by doing simple tasks together, going to parks, watching movies. Remember that quality time trumps quantity time when being with your kids. You also do not need to spend so much money to make your kids happy.

Simple fun things to do! Photo from HERE.

Coach Pia also deemed it necessary to note that siblings or cousins close in age not take classes together as this may illicit unnecessary comparisons.

Thank you Coach Pia for another enriching #BetterMe session. Thank you also Unilab for making this day possible. For the venue and yummy food, a big thanks to Dad's World Buffet in MegaMall! — Thank you Coach Pia for another enriching #BetterMe session. Thank you also Unilab for making this day possible. For the venue and yummy food, a big thanks to Dad’s World Buffet in MegaMall!

All in all, summer is the time to get to know your kids more. It need not be complicated. Sometimes just eating together accounts for a meaningful time already. Why not have a leisurely time eating at Dad’s World Buffet over at MegaMall?! Their extensive buffet spread will surely satisfy any craving! More on that soon.