(This article was first published in Toto Magazine on November 23, 2022)
Take Care During The Holidays
When normal school resumed this year after the two-year lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children, parents and teachers had to make adjustments. It was not easy in the beginning, but eventually, things began to fall into place. And guess what! The long awaited Christmas holidays are finally here!
My dear friends, this is a well-deserved break. You have amazingly gone through the three terms. You adjusted well to the situation despite the stress. At times, things were a little tough, but you pushed on. You are truly my 2022 heroes.
As we go for the holidays, keep in mind that society has changed a great deal. The environment is not as safe as it used to be. We need to be wiser and more alert as we go for holidays.
Communicate
Many of you have made plans. Plans that you do not want your parents or guardians to know about. The question you should ask yourself is; “Why don’t I want my parents to know about these programmes or ‘proggies’?” If the ‘proggies” as you term them, are harmless, why hide? Are these programmes beneficial? Are they necessary? Do you benefit from them? If the answer to these questions is “No,” then abandon the plans. Remember, bad company corrupts good character.
If at all you have got permission to go out with your friends, notify the people at home where you are going and who you are going with.
My Auntie’s Story
My auntie narrated a story of how her friend told her to escort her to her friend’s home during their Primary Seven vacation. The “friend” turned out to be a man. When they arrived at the man’s home, my auntie’s friend excused herself and she never returned. She left my auntie at the mercy of the man. Fortunately, the man had pity on my auntie and he let her go. Can you imagine what would have happened to my auntie? This story teaches us that even our friends might not be trusted.
Sleepovers
There is a trending culture of sleeping over at friends’ homes. I wonder what the purpose of this trend is. Before you pack your bag to sleep at a friend’s home, do you know the members of that household? Do your parents know your friend’s parents? What is the agenda of your sleeping over? What are you going to do there? If you can avoid a sleepover, please do so.
Have A Routine
I know the year has been hectic, and I guess for the first days at home, you will be sleeping off the fatigue. However, once you have relaxed, get into a routine. Wake up in the morning whether you have the day’s plan or not. Take a bath and change from your pyjamas. Take breakfast when you are fresh. That way, your brain will snap from sleeping mode and you will begin to think productively.
Keep Busy
Have a plan for the holidays. What are you going to do? You can ask your parents to help you decide. Acquire a skill. Learn how to swim or bake. Get involved in house chores. Join hands with the househelp and make yourself useful at home. Do not be tempted to spend the whole day either swichting from one tv channel to another or tv scrolling the phone. Exercise. Play outdoors as often as you can. Try out different recipes.
Get involved in church or mosque activities. There are usually programmes for your age group. Take off time to pray. Get closer to your creator during this time. I wish you lovely holidays!
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