6 tips for enjoying holidays with your children
During summer holidays, many parents prepare to take on the challenge of entertaining and keeping their children occupied for several weeks.
However, according to Louise Livingston, head of education at the Maria Montessori Institute in London, parents can do more than just "survive" the holiday . By incorporating elements of the Montessori approach, they can encourage children's creativity and independence and create lasting memories.
1- Prepare yourself and your home
Parents can create a routine that balances structured activities and free time, and organize toys and resources to encourage independent play and learning. A routine creates a predictable environment for children at a time when their usual schedule may not be in place. By organizing board games, art supplies, or other resources so that they are easily accessible to children, we give them the opportunity to choose activities and keep themselves busy. Food and dishes can also be stored in a way that allows children to take responsibility for serving their own snacks and drinks. Involving children in organizing the home can also foster their sense of belonging and responsibility for maintaining order.
2- Explore nature
Whether you visit a local park, explore a nature reserve, or spend time in the garden, you can open your children's eyes to the wonders of nature by stopping to listen to the rustling of the trees in the breeze or watching an ant scurry by. By slowing down and walking, listening, and observing at your child's pace, you will reveal the wonders of nature through your child's fresh eyes. As parents, if we see the magic of our world, our children will see it too.
3- Involve children in household chores
One of the key aspects of the Montessori approach is to encourage independence by involving children in age-appropriate household tasks. Whether it's simple tasks like watering plants or setting the table, or more complex activities like preparing meals, washing the car, writing shopping lists, or helping with laundry, children can gain practical skills, a sense of responsibility, and confidence in their abilities—all while helping to share the workload around the house!
4- Accept boredom
When children have unstructured time, they are more likely to explore their own interests, engage in creative play, and develop problem-solving skills. By resisting the temptation to fill every moment with planned activities and instead creating an environment that encourages independent play, parents can help their children tap into their innate creativity, become more self-reliant, and discover things they enjoy. If children enjoy a particular activity, you can look for ways to expand it to give the child more opportunities to have fun.
5- Encourage independence
Holidays are a good opportunity to help children become more independent in daily activities such as dressing, eating, and sleeping, as well as playing and entertaining themselves. Taking care of their own needs teaches children much more than just the necessary physical skills and encourages their overall development. When children are undertaking tasks or playing, parents should take a step back and observe before rushing in to offer help. There are times when help is needed, but there are also situations where, with a little more time or a nudge in the right direction, a child is able to overcome the challenge on their own. What this little bit of space can give them is a sense of self-confidence: "I can do it on my own!"
6- Let the children take charge
Whether you are planning a playdate or a special outing, you can share with your child the task of deciding what to do and organizing the activity. You can also discuss with your child where they would like to go for an outing. In the Montessori approach, children are given choices from an early age, which helps them develop decision-making skills that will be useful when they face dilemmas later in life. For younger children, we can offer a choice between two options at first and, over time, expand the choices available so that they can develop their decision-making skills.