How many of you remember the sweet, carefree days of your childhood summers? The ones where the scorching heat didn’t matter as long as you had your favorite ice cream, the company of your cousins, and the freedom to explore? Those days when the ringing of the final school bell in May felt like the opening note of a long, melodious vacation song.
As a child, I counted down the days to summer vacation with boundless excitement. The moment the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school year, it felt like being set free from a long, tiring race. Summers meant trips to my Nani’s house, where the aroma of freshly cooked mango pickles mingled with the laughter of cousins. It was a time of unending adventures – climbing trees, getting soaked in surprise summer rains, and playing hide-and-seek until the stars filled the sky. I still recall the feeling of cool, wet mud between my toes as I raced barefoot through the village fields, the sweet taste of sugarcane juice after a long day of play, and the thrill of sneaking mangoes from the neighbor’s garden.
As I grew older and stepped into the roles of a teacher and Principal, I noticed the same spark of excitement in my students as summer approached. For them, summer break was more than just a vacation – it was a time for self-discovery, creativity, and making lifelong memories. Over the years, I’ve seen children transform during these breaks – some come back with the confidence of learning a new instrument, others return with the stories of distant hill stations or the pride of mastering a difficult dance move. I have come to realize that summer vacations are a crucial part of a child’s development, providing them a much-needed break from the structured confines of a classroom.
However, in recent years, I have noticed a shift. Today’s children often find their summer vacations filled with extra classes, competitive coaching, and constant academic pressure. The rising competition has made many parents feel that even a single summer without structured learning is a missed opportunity. But as someone who has spent decades in the field of education, I can confidently say that summer vacations should not merely be about textbooks and test prep. They should be about nurturing the heart and mind, building character, and discovering the joy of learning beyond the confines of a classroom.
Why These Summers Vacations Matter More Than Ever
In today’s world of smartphones, online classes, and never-ending homework, it’s easy to forget how precious the unstructured time of summer vacations really is.
Summer vacations are not just a break from studies; they are an essential part of a child’s overall development. These days offer a chance for children to relax, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. It’s a time to learn life skills, build emotional resilience, and develop a broader perspective on the world. Childhood is a fleeting phase, and summers provide the perfect backdrop for creating memories that last a lifetime.
The philosopher John Locke once said, “Play is the work of childhood.” And how true that is. Through play, children learn to solve problems, navigate social interactions, and build self-confidence. Yet, beyond fun, summer can be a time for deep inner growth — if we guide children toward meaningful experiences.
So, this summer, why not let our children truly unwind, explore, and grow? Let’s make their vacation a time of meaningful discovery, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Here are some detailed and impactful activities that can add real value to their lives:
1. The Art of Dreaming: Vision Boards and Dream Mapping
I remember the thrill of cutting pictures from old magazines, piecing together images of horses, faraway castles, and astronauts in shining helmets — all glued onto large sheets of paper, my very own dream boards. It was my way of telling the world what I hoped to become.
Encourage your child to create their own vision board. Ask questions like: “What excites you? What do you dream about?”This simple activity nurtures creativity and teaches goal-setting in a joyful way.
Sit down with them and help them visualize their dreams – whether it’s becoming an astronaut, a writer, or a wildlife photographer. Use magazines, colored papers, stickers, and photographs to create a vibrant vision board that reflects their goals and aspirations.
Teach them the art of breaking big dreams into smaller, achievable steps. For instance, if your child dreams of becoming a scientist, encourage them to read books about space, experiment with science kits, or even visit a planetarium. This process teaches them that no dream is too big if they take one small step at a time.
To make this even more impactful, I’ve created a very budget-friendly Vision Board for Students course that you can join. It’s a wonderful way to guide your children through this powerful practice, helping them dream boldly and set meaningful goals.
2. Mindful Meditation and Breathing Exercises
Try this with your child: inhale deeply imagining inflating a big balloon in their tummy, then slowly exhale, letting the balloon deflate gently. This exercise is not just calming — it’s a tool children can carry with them for life.
My nephew, who used to get anxious before exams, found that spending five minutes a day doing this breathing helped him focus better and feel more confident.
Also, consider teaching them basic chanting or affirmations. For example, simple yet powerful mantras like ‘Om’ or ‘I am calm, I am focused’ can become a part of their daily routine, grounding them emotionally and mentally. This not only builds a sense of inner peace but also strengthens their emotional resilience.
To make this even easier, you can introduce them to our Affirmation Desk Cards for Students – a set of 34 beautifully designed cards crafted especially for children. Each card carries a positive affirmation, encouraging self-belief, kindness, confidence, and a growth mindset. These cards can be placed on their study desk, bedside table, or even slipped into their backpack, serving as gentle daily reminders of their inner strength and potential.
3. Reading and Storytelling Sessions
As children, we lived for the evenings when my grandfather would tell stories — tales of brave heroes, mischievous animals, and wise sages. His voice, rich with emotion, brought those characters alive. Those stories didn’t just entertain; they taught values like courage, kindness, and humility.
Create a storytelling tradition at home. Ask your child to narrate stories they invent or retell folk tales from your culture. Writing their own stories and drawing illustrations also sparks imagination and language skills.
One summer, my granddaughter wrote a story about a little girl who befriends a stray dog. The story was filled with lessons about empathy and responsibility, and sharing it with family gave her a wonderful sense of pride.
4. Gratitude Journals and Positive Affirmations
I have a small notebook that I keep with me, where each evening, I jot down three things I am grateful for – the cool breeze, a kind word from a friend, or a simple, delicious meal. I find this practice truly magical. It shifts my perspective, filling my heart with warmth and my mind with positivity, even on the most challenging days.
I encourage you to introduce this beautiful habit to your children at a young age. Give them a colorful notebook, add some stickers, and let them write three things they are grateful for each day. This simple practice can transform their outlook, helping them recognize the beauty in small moments and build emotional strength.
For example, one of my coaching clients shared how her child’s gratitude journal helped her overcome shyness and find joy in everyday moments.
5. Exploring Nature and Outdoor Adventures
Summer is nature’s invitation to play detective. In my childhood, I’d spend hours collecting pebbles, watching ants build their tunnels, or learning to identify plants in the wild.
Organize simple nature walks, birdwatching, or gardening with your child. Teach them to plant a seed and care for it, showing how life grows with love and patience.
Before the start of summar vacation, I would give my students a simple yet meaningful project – to sow any kind of seed at home, care for it daily, and observe its growth. They would nurture their tiny plants, water them, and eagerly watch them sprout and flourish. When they returned to school after the break, they would share their experiences – the pride in their voices, the sparkle in their eyes as they described how their tiny seeds had grown into healthy, green plants, was truly heartwarming.
They would talk about the patience it took, the excitement of spotting the first tiny leaf, and the lessons they learned about nurturing and caring for life. This small project not only connected them to nature but also taught them responsibility, patience, and the power of small, consistent efforts.
6. Hands-On Learning: Cooking, Crafts, and Patience
My earliest memories include watching my mother prepare meals, and the summers when I attempted to bake simple cookies with her guidance. The mess, the smells, and the joy of tasting something made by your own hands — these experiences build confidence and creativity.
Encourage your child to learn some valuable life skills. This could range from cooking and baking to photography, pottery, or even learning a musical instrument. Such hands-on activities teach patience, problem-solving, and self-reliance.
For younger kids, DIY crafts, Lego building, or even simple science experiments can be both educational and fun.
7. Acts of Kindness and Community Service
Teaching kindness and empathy at a young age can profoundly shape a child’s perspective on life. It nurtures their emotional intelligence, helps them appreciate the value of compassion, and creates a deep sense of connection to the world around them.
During my time as a principal, I would often organize community service trips for my students. We would visit orphanages, old age homes, or shelters where the children would spend time with the residents, share stories, offer small acts of help, and even organize fun activities. The warmth and gratitude they received in return would leave a lasting impact, teaching them the true essence of giving.
You can start small – involve your children in simple acts of kindness like helping a neighbor, feeding stray animals, or participating in local cleanup drives. These experiences build empathy, a sense of responsibility, and a compassionate heart that sees the world through a lens of care and connection.
8. Digital Detox and Family Time
In my childhood, evenings meant gathering around the radio or sharing stories under starlit skies. Those moments of connection, free from the distractions of screens, created some of the most cherished memories of my life.
However, times have changed. Today, most kids find themselves glued to their screens – watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through endless feeds. While technology has its benefits, constant screen time can impact their mental and physical health, reducing real-life connections and creativity.
Encouraging digital detox is more important than ever. Create moments of togetherness – play board games, share stories, cook a meal together, or plan a simple outdoor picnic. These small, meaningful interactions can strengthen family bonds and nurture a child’s emotional well-being.
A Final Thought to Hold Close
“Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write, and count. Childhood is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace which is right for each individual child.” – Magda Gerber
This summer, let us cherish that window. Let us gift our children time — time to play, explore, dream, and simply be. The lessons they learn in these unhurried moments will shape not just their summers, but their entire lives.
For more details visit our YouTube Channel: “Nitty Gritty With Dr Neeti Kaushik”
Nisha
Maam is this for children only any any age group can join the vision board class