To give children memorable summer days in the countryside.

As summer begins, many families and parents plan trips for their children to visit grandparents and relatives in their hometowns. While they want their children to have memorable experiences in the countryside, parents also have concerns.

Summer is a great time for children to experience and reconnect with nature - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

According to psychologist Mong Quang Chi (Ho Chi Minh City), young children need stability and a sense of psychological security. Therefore, sudden changes in environment, being away from parents for too long, or living with someone they haven't bonded with sufficiently require careful consideration, and there are some principles parents can apply.

Parents need to have clear communication about daily routines, communication methods, and childcare guidelines. They should observe their child's emotional reactions during the first few days. Signs such as fear of returning to the daycare center, prolonged crying, startling during sleep, avoidance of certain people, withdrawal, or unusual irritability should be taken seriously.

Most importantly, parents need to prepare simple but age-appropriate activities that grandparents can easily interact with their grandchildren on, such as storytelling, coloring, playing with clay, watering plants, picking vegetables, folding clothes, light physical games, or reading picture books.

"To limit children's use of electronic devices, it's necessary to agree with grandparents on screen time limits from the beginning. For example, only 30-60 minutes per day at a fixed time. Children will be more cooperative with a stable schedule. Don't use TV or iPads as rewards or tools to coax children to eat or sleep, as this can easily lead to emotional dependence on screens," Ms. Chi noted.

According to this psychologist, summer is a great opportunity for children to learn life skills through daily activities, rather than through coercion. Children can learn to put away their toys, feed themselves, greet others, help with small chores around the house, wait their turn, express their emotions, and communicate politely with adults.

"The most important thing is that children need connection more than entertainment. A child who is talked to, listened to, and works alongside adults every day will tend to demand screens far less."

Parents should also avoid putting pressure on grandparents to teach excessively. For young children, feeling loved, safe, and having a stable routine is already a very important foundation for development during the summer," this psychologist emphasized.

THAO THUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/de-tre-co-nhung-ngay-he-dang-nho-o-que-20260530055232077.htm