For some mums, summer plans have been cancelled or put on hold because of the scarcity of Nigerian passport booklets. We’re sure there are quite a lot of heart breaks over how amazing summer could have been outside the country; however, instead of missing what could have been, why not make the most of what you have. We have it on good authority that spending summer in Nigeria can be just as amazing if not more spectacular.
You’re probably wondering what one can do with the family over the 8 weeks or so of summer vacation. We’ve got you covered. While it is a great time to relax, it is also a period where children can easily get bored and parents can get stressed out thinking about how to engage children. The main idea is for you to rest and unwind.
[How to keep children busy over the summer holiday]
Here’s how to have the perfect Staycation
A staycation is still like a vacation, except that you spend it at home and skip the expensive airfares and travel costs. With some planning, it can be just as enjoyable as a travelling vacation. For a staycation to feel like a vacation, we recommend that you calendarize this period!
Parents should put this staycation period in their calendar and take some time off work. Plan the activities that you will get engaged in during this period. Look at your city with a tourists eye and identify some fun things you would want to do. Create some unusual activities together as a family. Part of your plans could involve watching movies, going to try out new restaurants or visiting local art markets. If you get creative, there will be lots of activities you can get up to.
Make family memories
Create a family routine and spend time doing things together. Family memories are great and last a lifetime. Come up with a routine that you can all commit to and use it as an opportunity to spend quality time together. One great idea is to pick one evening a week and decide to stay in and spend time telling each other stories or watching movies. Agree on a movie, dim the lights and have a fantastic time.
Summer Activities
Summer is a great time to get involved in all sorts of different summer activities. There are usually a whole host of summer camps available for people of all ages. These include opportunities to learn a skill, develop gifts and talents such as photography, pick up a new instrument and so much more. Summer is one of the best times in the year to try something new. Summer in Lagos is rainy so when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities, turn to the internet and learn a new skill or two via youtube or sign up for a free online course.
[Summer camps Lagos 2018 guide]
Travel Tips
Some people will have the opportunity to travel to other states within the country for their summer vacation. Be sure to explore the cities you travel to. This is not the time to travel and stay at home watching television every day.
It is a great idea to spend part of your summer as tourists and explore the city you travel to. Get a tourist or summer guide and plan some activities that are of interest to yourself and your travel group or family. Every State has it’s own unique culture, so take the time to explore, experience the culture and capture the moments.
[Maximizing your child’s summer holiday]
Capture the moments
Holidays are a great time to take pictures. Most phones have good quality cameras. Take pictures of the things that you explore and experience, whether as a staycation or if you travel. These pictures will come in very handy at the end of the summer as you look back over your holiday. This is particularly helpful for children who can forget what they did over the summer.
