The school report card day has finally arrived and the summer holiday is about to begin. Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Psychologist Feriha Kaşifoğlu explained how to approach children who have experienced a long and exhausting school term and how to have a productive school holiday. Kaşifoğlu said that: ‘ the report card is a guide that shows the developments and changes of the child’s education life. It shows the child’s areas of interest and the areas where the child is not successful. Parents should not perceive the report card as a source of pride or embarrassment. Instead parents should perceive it as a guide in order to follow up the childs educational development and to observe the areas which needs support.‘

How to react to your child’s report card?
Specialist Psychologist Feriha Kaşifoğlu advised parents to avoid judgmental attitudes towards their child, to make constructive evaluations and not to be destructive, to not criticize them, to give support and trust, to not forget that each child is unique and to not compare them with others. Parent’s high expectations and their negative labels such as calling their children ‘lazy’ and ‘irresponsible’ will create a lack of self-confidence and will cause stress. Parents should also avoid presenting exaggerated awards, instead the child should be thanked for his success and effort shown throughout the year and the rewards presented should be appropriate for the child’s age.

How to have a productive summer holiday?
Specialist Psychologist Feriha Kaşifoğlu, stated that children should be kept away from the virtual media environment, instead children should be encouraged to participate in activities including culture, art and nature which will provide physical and psychological relaxation. Kaşifoğlu also stated that summer is an opportunity for children to learn about nature, instead of indoor activities children who spend time outside with their peers will develop skills such as creativity, problem solving and social relations.
Kaşifoğlu stated that children spend a lot of time indoors during winter due to the cold weather and their intensive school program. Therefore it is beneficial to encourage them to participate in a sport of their interest in order to meet their physical needs and also to help them to learn how to cope with competing, victory and defeat.

Encourage them to be physically active
Kaşifoğlu stated that children spend a lot of time indoors during winter due to the cold weather and their intensive school program. Therefore it is beneficial to encourage them to participate in a sport of their interest in order to meet their physical needs and also to help them to learn how to cope with competing, victory and defeat.

Read together
Specialist Psychologist Feriha Kaşifoğlu emphasized the importance of reading time for children during the holiday period and stated that if possible, parents should go to the bookstore together and encourage their child to choose a book of their own interest and also encourage them to read during the holiday. Reading a book of his / her preference will be both beneficial and relaxing for the child and will be able to develop his / her interests and general knowledge.

Encourage them to organıze and complete their homework
Kaşifoğlu concluded her statement with the following suggestions: ‘ Parents should guide their children to plan their daily homework so that they do not forget what they have learned at school and to eliminate difficulties in adapting to the lessons during their new semester. Parents should remember that all students have the right to have a relaxing and fun holiday. A valued holiday and a well-rested child will be much more ready for the new academic year. Wishing you a happy holiday. ‘