I am so glad that as a SoMom, I get to do BetterMe sessions under the supervision and guidance of Coach Pia. Last month, we were able to learn how to develop better family habits for summer. So timely as I get to share some tips on how to do so. But before I give the tips and ways on how to plan a good summer for your kids and your family, allow me to showcase the venue of our BetterMe session which was Dads, Saisaki and Kamayan Buffet located at SM Megamall.
Dads is celebrating their 20th year! In line with this, they’re reintroducing Dads World Buffet, where you can choose among a wide variety of international cuisines from Japanese, Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese and so much more!
Because I was too consumed and overwhelmed choosing the food and going over each cuisine, here are some food shots that’s definitely worth craving for.
Dad’s World Buffet is at Php 588 for Monday to Friday lunch and Php 748 for Monday to Friday dinner. Php 788 for lunch and dinner on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
For more information about their updated rates and for reservation, call (02) 634-3482, (02) 633-1758 or (02) 636-3785.
Dads, Kamayan and Saisaki Buffet is at the 4F Building B of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Now on to the session. The topic was about strengthening and developing better family habits for summer.
Summer is the time families can really bond as the kids are free from school. Most parents would immediately enroll their kids to a summer program to veer away from being idle and to further stimulate their mind as I’ve observed most kids nowadays find being idle invalid, my daughter included. So much different back in my time when summer meant doing absolutely nothing. The only activity we had were beach trips & selling snacks outside our house, other than these, we would simply enjoy our downtime. Times really have changed.
If you’re a parent like me who is confused as to what summer activity you want your child enrolled in, here are two important factors you should consider first when it comes to planning summer activities for your family particularly for your child.
Who is involve in your child’s summer activity and how you could maximize time & resources.
You must talk within your family who is going to be involved in taking care of your child during his summer activity. As much as it is a team work, one parent or caregiver must make sure that they are involve in their child’s summer activity. Most of the time, it would depend on the child’s gender or who he prefers to be with. If a son wants to try sports, it is usually the dad who guides him. If a daughter wants to try cooking, it is usually the mom who supports more. Whoever is responsible in being involved doesn’t matter as long as there is a connection after each summer class activity. A connection serves as a follow through after each summer activity has ended. Like planning a home based activity that your child has picked up from his summer program. That way not only will your child apply the things he has learned but will also serve as a bonding moment for both of you.
Summer shouldn’t have to be expensive. Make sure whatever summer activity it is that you want your child to enroll in, fits the family’s budget. The objective is to explore and have options wherein you and your child can choose the best program suitable for him. There’s no need to shell out so much. Remember that part of the goal is maximise time and resources, so don’t give your child an option of a summer program you know you cannot afford, for it will only bring stress to your family. Don’t forget that summer’s supposed to be fun for everyone!
Now here are some tips you might want to consider when it comes to planning for your child’s summer.
SUMMER IS NOT ABOUT REACTING ‘COZ IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU.
Apart from considering the two factors I mentioned, one thing you should give a thought to is what activity best fit your child. It’s not about what we want as parents and most of the time, what our kids want is different. Give them a list of options (which has been filtered based on the two factors I mentioned) and from there, let them to choose. There’s no reason to say NO unless there’s budget constraints as well as overlapping with other family member’s summer activity. No matter how silly or unpractical it is, as long as your child choose it and it fits your budget then I guess there’s really no reason to say no.
DO NOT SIGN UP THEN INFORM THE CHILD AFTER.
This is basically saying that summer is about YOU. Doing so can jeopardize your child’s ability to independently think for himself and know what he wants. As I said, give your child options first and present to him in an unbiased way each of his options so he can fully understand before deciding on what activity to sign up for.
DO TRIAL & ERROR
Enrolling your child to a summer activity is something that’s new to him. Even if he has chosen a particular program, don’t commit yet beyond four sessions. Because there isn’t any guarantee that your child will finish the program as kids can be fickle minded. Don’t blame him though, as he is still in the process of learning and introducing something new to him is already a challenge especially if he is under 7 years old. Your best guide is to do trial and error. It may not be practical (time and effort wise) but its the only way to know if your child is really enjoying his chosen summer activity.
GIVE GENERAL CATEGORIES
Can’t decide what options to give your child when it comes to choosing the best summer activity? Focus on giving him general categories such as sports, (basketball, ice skating, chess, swimming) arts, (crafting, painting) theatre, (acting, dancing, singing). You can choose to give options based on one category or one per category. Just make sure that you don’t push an activity just because you want to as it would only pressure your child into giving in just because.
INVOLVE THE CHILD TO ENSURE THAT HE IS MORE ENGAGED
Enrolling and committing to a summer activity is more than just attending and enjoying it. A child must be committed in order for him to have a take away on what he has done over the school break. In order to engage your child more, ask him some questions that are relevant to him being in a summer activity he chose.
What do you think you would feel if…
What do you guess it might be like?
What would you do if….. happened?
GUIDE YOUR CHILD TO LOOK BACK, LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE & MOVE FORWARD WITH SELF-KNOWLEDGE
Once your child has finished his summer activity, encourage him to talk about what he finds fun, challenging and memorable. This will give him a sense that you, as a parent, are being supportive of his decision in letting him choose a summer program. This isn’t just about putting your child in a summer activity just so he can be busy and he won’t bug you over summer. Rather, it is suppose to give him the chance at self-discovery as it must be experienced firsthand. Remember it’s their process, not yours.
Most children would rely on what their parents would suggest and most of the time, parents suggest activities and summer programs that they want for themselves, if not, they want their kids to learn how to love. In order to help your child know what program he wants to do for summer,just give him options and provide answers to all the follow up questions he has. Remember, summer is suppose to be memorable and fun. Whether getting your child enrolled in a program or doing activities at home or elsewhere, there will always be learning opportunities for you & your child. Use these opportunities to guide your child to enhance his self-worth & self-knowledge.
As for me, I’m still compiling our list of options for lil’ Ms. GJG to choose from. We are not pressured to enroll her in a summer activity, but ever since she started school she’s been eager to learn and immerse herself in unknown territories. She even has a few activities in mind but still undecided as to what she really wants to do. I’m pretty excited as she’s now officially on her summer vacation and we’re looking forward to enjoying our summer. How about you? What are your plans for your family, especially for your kids this summer? Any summer programs you know that you’d like to share?
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