Being a teacher is not a job, it's a
way of life. That is why it's so hard to stop thinking about school when you're
on holiday. It can also be why you can't help but act as a teacher towards your own
children (if you have them).
The habit of being a teacher to your
kids might be useful at times, however, your children probably already have
their own teachers at school. What they really need this holiday is a loving parent.
Parent's day is a perfect date to
decide to turn the teacher habit around and get back to being a warm-hearted mom or
dad.
What is Parent's Day?
Parent's day was established in 1994
in the United States, to "recognize, uplift and support the role of
parents in rearing children" (National Parents' Day Council website). It
is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July every year. Parent's Day is similar
to Mother's Day and Father's Day but it is it's own distinct holiday.
Parent's Day is all about family
bonding, about doing exciting and inspiring activities together. Here are
several ideas of things to do with your kids that won't agitate your
inner teacher and prompt him/her into action.
Get creative together
Conceptualise the project so that it
is simple, intuitive and make it so that you are all participating equally - you want to avoid
getting into your teacher's role again by doing something complicated and
instructing others what to do.
Some ideas to try: hand and feet
painting, splatter painting, making colorful, simple beads out of polymer clay
and then making necklaces or other jewelry.
Get active together
Active family bonding is a symbol of
Parent's Day. Physical activity will get your joy hormones going, and that
promises a fun day out. Go on a family biking tour, or play a fun family frisbee
game - the choice is yours. It is better to go with cooperative rather than
harshly competitive games and sports.
Go camping or on a picnic
Picnics are always a joy. They're not too difficult to organize and promise relaxed family leisure time. Camping is also an option if you're feeling up to it and you're sufficiently equipped.
Campfire talks always promote attachment between fellow campers, and it might
be just what you need to tell family stories or help your quiet teenager open
up.
If you're already on holiday, pick a
special location to visit. Picnics and camping might also be an option when
you're away, but just visiting a unique locality you all like might be exciting
enough.
Organize a cook-off
If Parent's Day catches you at home,
you can organize a cooking competition. Find one or a few recipes for a simple
dessert, such as cupcakes – something really easy to make and easy to
experiment with. In the end, give special acknowledgments to each competitor -
for example, the prettiest, the most creative and tastiest cake. This way the sweet
taste of this Parent's Day might be long remembered.
