Another school year has come to an end but that does not mean that a family schedule is impossible. Yes, it will be important to give your kids some down time in between their ball practices or swimming lessons. But do make an effort to limit screen time either in front of the TV or any of the other electronic devices that many children are literally glued to.
A Facebook friend of mine posted a neat suggestion for families titled, “School Holiday Rules.” I have shared the information with parents who have appreciated having something that can be printed off and followed. While it does require a parent to help enforce the rules, I love the concept. So here goes with some suggested “School Holiday Rules.”
Children may have as much time on the iPad or TV as long as all of the following jobs have been completed BEFORE they turn on the screen.
- Made your bed
- Eaten breakfast (the most important meal of the day)
- Gotten dressed
- Brushed teeth
- Brushed hair
- 20 minutes of reading
- 20 minutes of writing or coloring
- Clean up 1 room (TV room or bedroom)
- Played outside for 30 minutes
- Made or built something creative (Lego, craft, sand, etc.….)
- Helped someone in the family (Ask if there is a job you can do, if you cannot think of something yourself)
The way I have it figured, a child who completes this list will have spent at least 3 and a half hours in productive and perhaps creative activity. They may find that the book they are reading is so enticing that they can’t put it down, or that their outdoor activity they have chosen is great fun.
It takes me back to my own childhood when our summer schedule looked quite similar. But it would have included at least one hour of work in the garden and when I was old enough a three-hour block to mow the grass when needed. Of course, there were 4-H projects to work on and occasionally driving the tractor to pick up hay bales.
I will post the rules on our Cottonwood Extension District website. I printed the “School Holiday Rules” on hot pink paper so they will really stand out on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror. If you decide to adopt these rules in your household let me know how it goes. And have a great summer!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected] K-State Research & Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.