HOW CAN I KNOW THAT MY CHILDREN ENJOYED THE HOLIDAY? I WANT THEM TO ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO SPENDING TIME WITH ME AT HOME. TOMMY Joyce Kirabo That’s a fantastic idea. There is nothing better than spending quality time with your children in holidays and making sure that they are happy for their interests and talents to blossom. Unlike toys and other objects, memories last forever and no parent wants their child to be disappointed by their actions during the holidays. Holidays are supposed to leave smiles on children’s faces and anything short of that can be sad for both the children and parents. Below are some tips on how to establish whether the holiday will always be memorable or not. Reflect about the activities that you and your children have been mainly preoccupied with during this last holiday. For instance did you talk more about your family, friends and faith? Did they interact a lot with their cousins? These alone can make a holiday memorable. When your children misbehaved, how did you handle them? Did you help them make New Year’s resolutions and prayer requests? I hope you also helped them during revisions and engaged them in domestic work. This is a good way to bond with your child. If you have been open with your children about life, its challenges and solutions, then that is great. How about taking your children to visit their grandparents, relatives and friends? Is that something you did? Did you listen or watch educative television programmes together? In reality, nobody can measure someone’s level of happiness but if you did a few of the above explained aspects, then you played a big part in their lives this holiday and you must be proud of yourself. The writer is a counsellor Your Advise Harriet Mbabazi Sharon Keza Harriet Mbabazi Whenever children come back home for holidays, try to spend as much time as you can with them. Also take them to places they have never been to so that good times stick in their minds. This will make them anxious for the next holiday. Sharon Keza Love is the best way to win a child’s heart. Show them that you love them by always taking good care of them and sharing everything, including jokes with them. This way,you will have won their confidence. Jane Mukarulinda Francois Hitimana Jane Mukarulinda It’s a bit hard to know what exactly your child wants especially when below 8. I would advise you to find out what your children want and always provide them with their preferences. Francois Hitimana Take your children out to the beach and to visit their relatives in the village. Many young children enjoy that unique experience — food, terrain and lifestyle. Always let the children adventure and they will be happy.
