Explore food, recipes, measuring and so much more with our many manipulation, role play, and early science activities. This theme will help you create a special restaurant within your daycare!

Educ-Action

Educ-Action Archives

I need a vacation!

Children have busy lives! They must get up in the morning, go to daycare, follow the daycare's routine, return home, eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed. Their days are just as full as ours. It is not surprising that specialists are unanimous in stating that vacations are very important for children too. Children need time to unwind with their family.

You know me, I do not judge. Each family has its own reality to live with. Parents today have work schedules which are not always the traditional 9 to 5. Not all parents are able to take time off during the summer months. My concern lies in the fact that children sometimes attend daycare 52 weeks per year. This situation is much too common.

When I place myself in children's shoes, I can easily feel their need for a vacation. However, they are usually unable to verbalize this need. They long for days where time constraints do not exist, without routines to respect. They TOO need to unwind! They crave the opportunity to do things at their own pace, to play with their own toys, and in their own space. They need to be with their family. When I speak of family vacations, I do not mean expensive family outings or trips. Calm days at home or inexpensive activities suffice.

So, how do we explain the fact that many children never experience vacations? It is possible that some parents fear vacations. They may wonder what they could possibly do alone with their children. Here is a short list of inexpensive activities:

A picnic
A morning at the playground
Water games
A day at the beach
An insect hunt
Camping in the backyard
Hiking
A bicycle ride
Go berry picking and prepare a dessert when you return
Visit your local market
Visit a garden centre and plant a garden
Visit the library on a rainy day
Attend festivals or street parties where several shows are free
A treasure hunt
Sleep under the stars

Regardless of the activity, children will appreciate the change of scenery. Whether it be a morning to cuddle or a day at the water park, the most important thing parents can do is reserve a period of time for their child where the daily routine takes a much needed vacation!

Sonia Leclerc

No element of this text may be copied, reproduced, distributed, published, translated, downloaded, posted, or transmitted, in any way, without prior written authorization from Educatall and the copyright holder. Elements may be posted and/or downloaded solely for personal and non-commercial use provided no modifications are made and all notices of intellectual property are fully shown (name of the author, title of the article, name of the website, date the text is used and the date of the part in question).

*Share and use*

Among the 150 best websites on the Toile du Québec in 2006

Considered Innovation of the year by the Salon des Générations

Awarded the Canadian Prime Minister’s prize for Excellence in early childhood education 2002-2003

Among the best websites to succeed in school according to the annual guide 2007-2008