The phrase "summer break" started trending on social media after the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day (April 30th) this year. The word "block," associated with the grandeur of parades and marches during the ceremony, has been "borrowed" to describe the equally enthusiastic and lively atmosphere among students as their school doors temporarily close and summer begins with plans for unrestrained fun and relaxation…

Illustration photo: Internet

"When does summer school start again, Mom?" It seems like this question repeats every year, from my son who's more interested in playing than studying. Perhaps it's a common "concern" for many children as they enter the short summer break.

I say summer is short because I'm sure not many parents would dare let their children play freely all summer long. There are at least two reasons. Firstly, if they play all summer, they won't be able to keep up with their classmates when the new school year starts, as it's customary for most children to be sent to school ahead of the next year's curriculum. Secondly, and more worryingly, if they stay home for months without a well-structured summer learning schedule, they will become addicted to smartphones and tablets with frivolous entertainment games, some of which may even contain inappropriate content for children.

Why do children spend so much of their summer vacation glued to their phones and browsing social media if their parents don't supervise them?! It's easy to understand: they lack playtime. Creating summer activities for children is something adults must consider if they don't want their children to spend their summer holidays glued to their phones, causing headaches for adults, especially the "retired" generation – grandparents who are older and lack the energy to care for a whole brood of grandchildren if they all come together!

In Bac Lieu, the provincial museum, even before its official opening, has already welcomed a considerable number of visitors, mostly summer vacation students brought by their teachers as a reward for a year of hard work and diligence. The museum is rushing to complete the final stages and is expected to open daily to visitors by the end of June. This is good news for museum enthusiasts and a suitable playground for students during the summer. Parents should consider this a destination for their children to learn about history: exploring the historical traditions and cultural values ​​of the three ethnic groups – Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa – in Bac Lieu; visiting the Bird Sanctuary, the Vinh Hung Ancient Tower, the Temple of Uncle Ho, and the Bac Lieu salt fields… All are vividly recreated here, like a miniature Bac Lieu for children to learn and explore .

Learning to swim not only takes children away from their phones during summer vacation but also equips them with essential skills to prevent drowning – an accident that frequently occurs every summer when children gather to swim and play in ponds, rivers, and streams. A moment of carelessness or lack of close supervision from adults can lead to heartbreaking tragedies.

"Bring them home right now, whether they want to learn piano, swimming, martial arts, or drawing, I'll pay for it," for the past few days, many people have been laughing hysterically on social media after seeing this clip. A group of grandchildren are causing a ruckus behind a grandfather (or maternal grandfather) with disheveled hair, struggling to manage them all, shouting into the phone for his children to pick them up. The summer break is a "nightmare" for the retired – this is just an exaggeration to describe the hectic schedule grandparents face when they have to take on the extra task of babysitting. In reality, many grandparents long for their children and grandchildren to visit; the laughter of children brings them joy. And in reality, children would be creating a burden for their elderly parents if they delegated the responsibility of childcare to their grandparents. After a lifetime of hard work earning money and raising children, old age deserves rest and relaxation. Therefore, delegating the summer break to the retired should only be done to a certain extent.

"Third semester," "summer school"... many people still oppose these things because they fear robbing children of their childhood. However, for others, summer school remains a necessary solution if there is truly no one to look after the children while parents work 8 hours a day. Leaving children home alone is unsafe if they are too young, or if they are older, they will spend all day with phones and TV. After a summer vacation , after visiting grandparents, sending children to a private class at a teacher's home to learn academics or develop skills (music, drawing, dancing, swimming, etc.) is a solution that needs careful consideration to suit each family. Summer school shouldn't be too strict or overly packed; it should allow children on summer break to learn and play, and most importantly, not burden retirees.

Parents are concerned that children need to continue their studies during the summer break, but they also worry if they have too much free time. Arranging a vibrant and enjoyable summer break for children, reducing academic pressure while ensuring their safety from both their living environment and the online environment, is a significant challenge for many parents.

Cam Thuy

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thuong-lo-khoi-nghi-he--a76554.html