Not acknowledging a child’s feelings can lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation and an inability to form positive social interactions and relationships.
Teach and nurture children in a gentle and positive way, responding to their feelings and emotions. This helps develop positive self-esteem and mental health.
During the summer, older kids are often out doing their own thing, so this is a good opportunity for investing some time in your relationship with your partner.
It’s common for parents not to see their friends as much, especially when children are very young. But summer provides a chance for reconnecting as there are lots of activities, like picnics and barbeques where parents and children from different families can get together.
If you have time off work in the summer holidays, make sure it’s really time off. Try not to check emails or work ‘phones and really focus on enjoying time with your family.
Arguments are often a part of family life. Take care to diffuse tensions before things get too heated. If children are arguing, ask them to go into separate rooms and take five minutes to calm themselves. You can do this too if you’re getting wound up.
Make the most of what’s special about summer. Go for family walks during those long warm evenings, or arrange a family picnic. Also, look out for free or cheap music events and summer schools arranged by local authorities.
Whether you’re going on holiday or not, it’s important to plan the summer together as a family. Make everyone feel involved in plans and keep a chart with everyone’s wishes on it.
Summer is a great time to reconnect with all the important relationships in your life – from your kids, parents and your partner to your friends and wider family.
From 2016 the law will require that all dogs are microchipped and wear a collar bearing a secure ID disc or waterproof tag with clear contact details of its owner. Dogs are not permitted to circulate without their owners and can be seized as a stray under such circumstances.