To ensure children have a safe summer

Equipping children with self-defense skills and providing them with opportunities for hands-on experiences is the best way for parents to give them a safe and meaningful summer.

The cicadas had begun to chirp among the vibrant red blossoms of the flame trees. On Sunday morning, under the shade of the old tamarind tree, the conversation between Nam, Lan, and Hung—close neighbors in the old apartment complex—revolved around the shared feelings of parents as the school bell rang to end: their children's summer.

Lan set down her teacup and sighed softly.

- In just a few weeks, my kids will start their summer vacation, Mr. Nam and Mr. Hung. It's exciting, but honestly, I'm more worried. My wife and I work all day, and leaving the two kids at home, I'm afraid they'll be glued to their phones and TVs all the time. But if we don't let them use them, I'm worried they might get into trouble, touch electrical outlets or the gas stove, which would be dangerous.

Nam nodded sympathetically:

- It's the same in my family. After a year of hard studying, we want our children to completely relax during the summer. But the line between "rest" and "getting lost in the virtual world " is so thin. I'm thinking of finding some extracurricular classes for my child, but I'm also hesitant, afraid that it will put them under pressure like they're in their third semester of school.

Uncle Hung, who had been silently listening, slowly took a sip of tea and then calmly said:

- Your concerns are valid. But I think summer doesn't necessarily have to be about long trips or expensive life skills classes. What children need most is the feeling of "growing up" through real-life experiences.

Lan was curious:

- Could you be more specific, sir? You've had so much experience raising your two sons to be so successful, you must have some secret!

Uncle Hung smiled kindly:

- There's no secret, really. I think that in the summer, children are home alone a lot, and the risks from electricity, water, and fire are real. Instead of just forbidding things, you should spend an evening with your child "inspecting" the house. Show them where the dangerous electrical outlets are, how to turn off the gas stove, and most importantly, tell them not to open the door to strangers. We teach children self-protection skills, instead of just a list of things "not to do."

Mr. Nam nodded in agreement.

- It's true that I tend to give orders rather than instructions. And then there's the drowning issue, sir. Hai Phong has a dense network of rivers and canals, surrounded by the sea, and every year the news reports on drowning accidents, which is heartbreaking.

"Regarding swimming," Uncle Hung continued, "I honestly advise you to prioritize sending your children to proper swimming lessons at pools with lifeguards. Don't just teach them how to swim, but also teach them how to recognize deep water, rip currents, and how to react when a friend is in trouble. That's what ensures lasting safety."

The conversation became more lively when Ms. Lan asked how to ensure children have a productive and stress-free summer. She said she dreaded the prospect of her child attending extra classes from morning till night, even on the hottest summer days.

Mr. Nam shared:

- My plan is to dedicate one evening each week to "no electronic devices." The whole family can read together, or simply take a walk in the city center's flower gardens. I also just enrolled my grandchild in a basketball class at the Children's Cultural Center. He loves it because he gets exercise, sweats it out, and makes new friends.

Uncle Hung praised:

- That's a great idea, Nam. Actually, a productive summer sometimes just means letting your child learn to cook rice, wash their own socks, or simply go to the market with their parents to choose fresh vegetables. These small life skills are actually important assets for your child later on. Don't force them to study too much; let them have time to be "bored." It is during those free times that they begin to explore, create, or discover new hobbies.

Lan smiled:

- Hearing you say that has made me feel much better. It turns out I've been making things difficult for myself and my child. This summer, I'll try letting my child create their own schedule, of course with guidance from both parents.

The Sunday morning story of the three neighbors ended on a gentle note, filled with understanding. For children to have a fulfilling summer, it doesn't require far-fetched miracles; it begins with careful preparation, trust, and genuine companionship from their parents.

THU HANG

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/de-tre-co-mua-he-an-toan-543116.html