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- Don't Let Summer Vacation Make Kids Lazy: 7 Effective Tips for Parents by Dr. Garima Mehta
Don't Let Summer Vacation Make Kids Lazy: 7 Effective Tips for Parents by Dr. Garima Mehta

Summer vacation is a time for kids to relax,enjoy, and recharge. However, too much leniency can sometimes head to a lack of discipline once school restarts after vacation. So, how can parents ensure that children stay creatively active and become responsible during the break?
-Here are 7 simple but effective tips:
1. Create a Flexible Routine
Kids don’t need to wake up at 6 AM, but the day shouldn’t be completely unstructured and lazy either. Encourage them to rise up at a reasonable time, brush, bathe, and do anything productive like reading, writing, or a creative activity.
‘Take a break from strictness, not from structure.’
2. Make Daily Learning a Habit
Set aside 30–45 minutes daily for reading or learning. Let them read books, solve puzzles, or explore general knowledge.
‘Vacations aren’t a break from learning, they’re a chance for discovery.’
3.Encourage Physical Activity
Involve children in 1–2 hours of outdoor or indoor games, cycling, swimming, or yoga. It keeps their body and mind active and their mood positive.
4.Nurture Creativity
Let kids engage in creative works like drawing, music, drama, dance, crafts, or gardening. These activities are not just fun but also improve focus, creativity and imagination.
5.Give Small Household chores
Teach them that the home is their responsibility too. Tasks like folding clothes, arranging books, or helping with chores instill self-reliance and routine.
6. Spend Family Time
Cook meals together, play board games, visit a temple, or share stories. These activities teach emotional, social values and strengthens bonding among memebers.
7.Limit Screen Time
Total screen ban is impractical, but set time limits. Replace ‘screen time’ with ‘skill time’ — like learning a new language, typing, or reading maps.
With a bit of planning and involvement, summer can be a golden opportunity for children to learn, grow, and enjoy. Rightly spent, holidays don’t make kids lazy — they prepare them for life ahead.
About The Author

Dr. Garima Mehta, M.D. (Pediatrics), is a renowned Pediatric Critical Care and Neonatal Specialist with a deep commitment to child health and development. As a Certified Lactation Consultant (BPNI), she brings a compassionate and evidence-based approach to supporting new mothers and infants. Currently serving as Senior Consultant at Kilkaari Children Hospital & Lactation Center in Surat, Dr. Mehta is dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric care, especially in high-risk and neonatal cases.