Children are a divine blessing, a gift from God entrusted to families with the responsibility of nurturing them with love, kindness, and care. In the teachings of Great Prophet Muhammad (SAW), children are to be treated with compassion and fairness. He often embraced and kissed children, demonstrating unparalleled gentleness and affection. The Prophet (SAW) also emphasized the importance of protecting children from physical and emotional harm. Similarly, the Bible regards children as a sign of God’s favor and a reward to families, highlighting their innocence and value. These divine teachings remind us that children are precious souls who deserve a nurturing environment to thrive.
However, managing children during long winter vacations, particularly in regions like Kashmir, presents unique challenges. Winters amid cold and snow are especially tough for children, who often feel the brunt of the harsh climatic conditions. The biting winds and freezing temperatures make outdoor play a challenge, confining their boundless energy indoors. For some, proper clothing and warm shelters may be lacking, adding to their discomfort and vulnerability.
Snow-covered paths and icy surfaces can turn simple walks to school into treacherous journeys. Yet, even in these tough conditions, the wonder of snowflakes, the thrill of snowball fights, and the magic of building snowmen bring moments of joy and innocence, offering children a fleeting escape from the season’s challenges. It is in the background of all these conditions that winter in Kashmir poses a significant challenge.
The tough weather conditions and heavy snowfall often confine families indoors, leaving children restless and parents overwhelmed. In their struggle to cope, some parents resort to handing over mobile phones to pacify their children, a practice that poses significant risks. Excessive screen time can harm children’s mental and physical well-being, impacting their cognitive development, social skills, and overall health. In some cases, frustration leads parents to use corporal punishment, which further damages a child’s emotional stability. It is crucial to explore healthier ways of engaging children and creating a supportive home environment during such periods.
Parents can use this time as an opportunity to bond with their children through creative and meaningful activities. Indoor games, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, or even simple baking and cooking projects can keep children productively occupied while fostering family bonds.
Reading age-appropriate books and discussing the stories can nurture their imagination and cognitive skills. Establishing a daily routine that balances relaxation, light academic work, and playtime provides structure without overburdening them. It is also essential for parents to be mindful of not pressuring children with advanced or irrelevant academic content, especially when some private publications impose syllabi that contravene the principles of NEP 2020.
Winter vacations can also be a time to instill values and life skills in children. Parents can involve them in simple household chores, teaching responsibility and teamwork. Sharing cultural stories, engaging in traditional crafts, or spending time together in prayer and reflection can create cherished memories. By providing warmth, patience, and understanding, parents can ensure that their children feel loved and secure. With a supportive and stimulating environment, the challenges of winter vacations can be transformed into opportunities for growth, joy, and lasting family connections.
To keep children engaged we can plan a mix of creative, educational, and physical activities. Indoors, children can enjoy board games, puzzles, storytelling or crafts like making photo frames or snowflake decorations. Cooking simple recipes together with their mothers or elders can teach life skills while fostering family bonding. For physical activity, set up a yoga session or an indoor obstacle course to burn energy. Weather permitting, outdoor activities like building snowmen, sledding, or creating snow art can provide fresh air and excitement.
To nurture creativity and learning, involve them in writing stories, journaling, or exploring science experiments at home. Cultural activities, such as sharing folktales or crafting with traditional themes, can instill values and create cherished memories. Balancing these activities with relaxation ensures a warm, engaging, and meaningful winter for the whole family.
(Author is an independent columnist and academician. He can be reached at [email protected])
