Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
GulfWeekly’s readers share their views on the topic.
With the scorching heat, school vacations forcing the kids to stay home and what not the summer brings along with it, the flag bearers of all these challenges are the parents. They try their best to keep kids engaged but everything has its pros and cons. The worst challenge is screen time as the world is digital now – how long can you keep the kids away from gadgets? If you are a working parent then, you lose half the battle there. I feel the need to have centres where children are involved in recreational and creative activities of their interest and spend their vacation having fun and developing their personalities.
- Bhavna Vedak
As a teacher and working parent, I face significant challenges during the summer when my child must stay indoors. Reducing screen time is a constant battle, especially when it’s a convenient distraction. Balancing work responsibilities and providing engaging activities for my child is incredibly difficult.
There are limited opportunities for fun and constructive activities that can be done indoors, making it hard to keep my child both entertained and educationally stimulated.
Affordable indoor play areas, indoor water parks, and fun activity zones can help. Additionally, virtual workshops, interactive online classes, and craft kits can keep children engaged. Collaborations with schools and community centres to offer structured programmes and physical activity challenges are essential.
- Fatima Abrar
One of the biggest challenges parents face during summertime is how to make their children ditch the digital while they’re forced to stay indoors due to the scorching summer heat.
This is not easy since children nowadays are addicted to modern technology, particularly mobile phones. Let’s teach our kids to reduce the screen time and ignite imaginations with indoor adventures – read books, learn how to cook, paint, sing, dance, play the piano, watch a movie, and rediscover the magic of summer – all from the cool comfort of our home. Nothing beats quality time with the family!
- Nanju Francis
Extreme heat is our planet’s norm for now and perhaps for years to come. So, as parents, it is crucial to keep children indoors.
Some of the biggest challenges that I think every parent faces or feels are: keeping them safe and, at the same time, engaged in physical activity, and limiting their screen time. For this, adults need to set good examples.
When children are at home, parents should not scroll their social media. If both parents are working, they will need to chalk an effective plan.
- Parul Sharma
It is no exaggeration to say that gadgets have now become an inevitable part of our lives because there are a variety of attractive ones in the market which take away children’s interest from indoor activities like reading, drawing, writing or even family leisure. This leads to gadget addiction that has a negative impact on their health and well-being.
It’s exceptionally difficult and challenging for working parents. Obesity, disordered routine, restlessness and extreme boredom are common.
Constructive play is a vital aspect for child’s growth, development and creativity, and offers a platform for learning to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the times.
- Veena Bodani
