Tips for parents during the summer vacation

1. Tips for parents during the summer vacation The summer season is a great time to spend quality time as a family, have joint experiences and get to know our children better. At the same time, it is not always easy to balance time effectively.

2. SigalLeshemDimistein is an educational consultant, parent guide and surrogate assistant in surrogacy procedures in Israel. Below he shares important tips to help us optimize our summer vacation. Dear Parents, Summer is coming, there are kindergarten/school graduation parties, the opening of summer camps, lots of expenses – and it’s hot! In the summer months we get out of the routine, the children go to summer camp instead of kindergarten/school, we spend time on family vacations, find ourselves spending more time at home and above all hope that the atmosphere will be pleasant and that life will be relaxed – just like on Instagram! So, as in many situations in life, sometimes the thing that makes it most difficult for us is the gap: The gap between what is desired and what is found, the gap between how I thought things would be versus how they actually are, the gap between my desire to be a patient, creative and inclusive parent – and sometimes things just don’t work out. 2

3. Here are some points from me that can help you narrow the gap and get through summer as optimally as possible. • First and foremost – be good to yourself. Yes! To yourself, even before you are good to your children. Remember that you are doing the best you can at a given moment. • Anchors – even when leaving a routine, it is important to create an alternative routine. Of course, on days off, the agenda is more flexible, but even within it there are anchors that maintain order and security (for children, although not only for them…) • Each family should have its anchors – let’s say Monday afternoons, dinner at the beach, bedtime on weekdays, making sure to brush your teeth even though it’s time off, how much money you spend on something, and more. • Let your children create the anchors together with you, of course according to their age and abilities. 2

4. Remember that what the children want and need the most are you, the parents. Sometimes the “packaging” changes: a quiet day at home, a water park, a pampering vacation. • The children need you and the good atmosphere, words of encouragement, for you to see them with kind and loving eyes. And therefore – your parental task is to help yourself succeed in this, to set goals that can be met. • Make plans that can be changed, train the children to be flexible, don’t be disappointed if things don’t happen as planned, check what the resistance, fight or argument is about and see what does work for you. • And one last thing – include the children in everything. Let them choose what to do (from among your reasonable and suitable options), after a good day or a pleasant moment, say this: “I had fun with you today.” 2

5. Conclusion • Planning in advance, flexibility and openness – make the vacation more pleasant and provide an opportunity to create shared memories and strengthen the family bond. • Have a fun, healthy and safe summer! Visit Us - www.tammuz.com Phone-0737838058 2