As you know, students have been released for winter break starting from January 27. Considering the cold weather, children spend most of their time at home. During this period, phones and computers attract their attention more, which causes concern for parents.
So, how can students spend their holiday days more effectively? Which cartoons are more appropriate for them to watch, and which activities should they engage in?
Pedagogue Aysel Rəsulzadə spoke to AzEdu.az on the topic.
She stated that it is more appropriate for children to switch from study mode to rest mode during these days:
“Currently, it is the children's winter break, and during this period, spending time at home with their parents is extremely important for the effective organization of the holiday. Winter break is considered not only a period of rest for children but also a time for restoring the energy they expended throughout the academic year. From this perspective, it is crucial for parents not to turn holiday days into a study regimen. Experience shows that sometimes parents carry the burden of the academic year into the holiday period, which prevents children from truly resting. However, it is more appropriate for children to switch from study mode to rest mode during these days. Because continuous demands for studying tire not only the child but also the parents”.
Regarding the use of phones and computers, the pedagogue noted that the main issue is not the complete prohibition of these devices, but rather establishing the right balance:
“If a parent constantly uses a phone themselves, it is not realistic to expect different behavior from the child. Therefore, parents should set an example with their own behavior, monitor the use of phones and computers, and set certain time limits. Unlimited and uncontrolled use can lead to attention deficit, addiction, and other psychological problems in children. These situations, in turn, create problems both at school and in family relationships during the academic year. It is recommended that children use phones and computers in a limited and controlled manner, not exceeding 1-3 hours per day”.
Cartoons should serve to educate children and promote values such as friendship, cooperation, and empathy:
“For young children, one of the main activities during winter break is watching cartoons. At this time, it is important for parents to be careful in their selection. Cartoons should serve to educate children and promote values such as friendship, cooperation, and empathy. Cartoons with scenes of violence and aggressive content should be avoided. Cartoons that focus more on solving problems rather than their causes, and those built on dialogue, are more beneficial for children in terms of developing healthy communication skills. At the same time, the music of cartoons also plays an important role. Overly loud and aggressively musical cartoons tire a child's nervous system and can later lead to various problems.
Playing various games at home, engaging the child in creative activities, doing handicrafts with plasticine, drawing, dancing to music, and performing simple gymnastic exercises both increase physical activity and reduce the child's psychological tension. Board games, watching and discussing films together, reading books, and asking the child questions about what has been read allow for a closer understanding of their inner world”.
Spending time in the kitchen with parents and the child's participation in preparing simple meals is also beneficial:
“This helps in the development of the child's independence skills, enabling them to manage their own tasks in the future, and there is no gender difference here. Despite concerns about cold weather, spending time outdoors is beneficial for strengthening children's immune systems. Outdoor activity reduces both physical and psychological tension, minimizing instances of irritability. The main points to pay attention to here are dressing the child appropriately for the weather, giving them a warm drink upon returning from outside, and ensuring that the duration of stay in cold weather does not exceed one hour.
What is important is not how the child spends the holiday, but that they spend time with their family in an active, communicative, and healthy way. This approach significantly contributes to strengthening family relationships and, at the same time, to the child's greater success in the academic year”.
