Stating that families should give certain responsibilities to children during the summer vacation, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Enise Öziç said, “Thoughts such as ‘We do not give any responsibility because it is summer, the school period is already tired’ are wrong. Responsibility should always be age-appropriate. These responsibilities can be as simple as taking the glass to the kitchen and turning off the unnecessary light. Giving responsibility allows the child to see what they can do in daily life instead of tiring them out.”
Expert Clinical Psychologist Enise Öziç from Liv Healthy Life Center Psychology Clinic gave suggestions to parents about the responsibilities that can be given to children during the summer vacation. Stating that we should spare time for our children for conversation, Uzman. Klnk. Psk Öziç said, “But chat, do not judge. Do not criticize. Do not present to him what he is missing and what he has not done. Instead, open a conversation on a topic he likes. Talk about your memories. Make plans about what you will enjoy doing together. Do not keep them completely away from the screen. While limiting it, create with him what he can do instead. If he/she is bored from time to time, let him/her be bored. The best discoveries are revealed when the person is bored.”
“Make joint decisions”
Suggesting that parents should set a summer routine for their children, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Öziç said, “Evaluate this routine not according to your own wishes, but according to the common idea of all of you. Do not leave all the choices to him/her for the whole summer. 'He/she chooses everything, he/she decides everything' is not right. Mom and Dad are the authority in the home. Remember that he is not mature enough to make some choices for himself.”
“Giving responsibility is not tiring the child”
Speaking about the mistakes generally made, Uzmanm. Psk. Öziç said, “We do not give any responsibility to the child because he is on summer vacation, the school period is already tired” is wrong. Responsibility should always be age-appropriate. These responsibilities can be as simple as taking the glass to the kitchen and turning off the unnecessary light. Giving responsibility allows the child to see what he/she can do in daily life instead of tiring him/her. Do not hide behind the excuse of 'he/she doesn't read books, that's all we tell him/her'. Set an example by reading books yourself. Teach with behavior, not words. Plan reading hours if necessary.”
“Show your love”
Adding that love for children must be shown, Uzman Uzman. Klnk. Psk. Öziç said, “Give lots of hugs. Express your love. If he exhibits a behavior you do not like, convey that you react to his behavior, not to him. Collect plenty of memories. Plan special times for him/her in your busy schedule. Try to have at least one shared meal as much as possible. However, make sure that everyone is screen-free.”
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