No School, No Stress: Making the Holidays Count -By Tolulope Sobiye Ogunbowale

When the last school bell rings, children are happy, bags are dropped, uniforms are put away and suddenly, there is no need to wake up early for school. That’s a relief. Children look forward to holidays because they offer a chance to rest, play and have fun. But here is the question: Should a holiday be all about sleeping, eating, watching television and pressing phones? Certainly not. A holiday can be enjoyable and productive at the same time.

The holiday is first a good time for rest. Children work hard during the school session, so they deserve time to relax and regain their energy. However, too much rest can easily turn into idleness. This is why children need a healthy balance between relaxation and useful activities. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but too much play without responsibility can also become a problem.

One simple way to make the holiday meaningful is through reading. Children can read storybooks, newspapers, magazines and other books suitable for their age. Reading does not have to feel like another classroom lesson. A good story can take a child on an exciting journey while quietly improving vocabulary, spelling, imagination and knowledge. Why allow the mind to gather dust when a book can keep it active?

Children can also use the holiday to learn something new. They may learn how to cook simple meals, draw, paint, sew, garden, play a musical instrument or use a computer. Some may discover talents they never knew they had. A holiday can therefore become a stepping stone to something greater. As the saying goes, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.” Small skills developed today may become valuable abilities tomorrow.

Helping at home is another important activity. Children should not spend the entire holiday waiting for their parents to do everything for them. They can make their beds, wash their plates, tidy their rooms, sweep the house or assist with simple household tasks. These activities teach responsibility, discipline and independence. Chores are not necessarily punishment, they are part of preparing children for life.

Of course, children need play and physical activities too. They can play football, ride bicycles, dance, exercise or enjoy other safe outdoor games. Such activities keep the body healthy and provide an opportunity to make friends. However, parents should also keep an eye on screen time. Phones, television and video games can be entertaining, but too much of them can swallow up valuable hours. Why spend the whole holiday staring at a screen when there is a whole world outside to explore?

The holiday is also a beautiful opportunity for family bonding. Parents can cook with their children, tell stories, visit relatives, play games or  sit together and talk. These simple moments can create memories that children will carry for many years.

As the holiday draws to a close, children should gradually prepare for school. They can revise previous lessons, complete holiday assignments, arrange their books and get their uniforms and other materials ready. This makes returning to school easier and less stressful.

A holiday is more than a break from the classroom. It is a chance to rest, learn, play, help and grow. When properly used, the days away from school can teach lessons that no textbook can fully provide. So, when the school bell stops ringing, should learning stop too? No school, no stress! Let every holiday become a season of fun, discovery, responsibility and growth. After all, a holiday well spent today can help build a better tomorrow.