URGENT UPDATE: Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, CEO of Nature Play WA, emphasizes the critical need for adults to model relaxation for children as the Christmas break approaches. With the summer holidays just weeks away, families are urged to prioritize slow, meaningful connections over the hustle of holiday activities.
As many families prepare for the festive season, Dr. Prabawa-Sear highlights a troubling trend: adults are often unable to relax, impacting their children’s ability to do the same. This disconnect is prevalent in a world where children are bombarded by scheduled activities and screen time. Dr. Prabawa-Sear states, “When we feel rested and relaxed, it radiates through our families.”
The first step toward relaxation is often the hardest. Adults frequently engage in what she describes as “aggressive relaxing,” where they shift focus from work to chores rather than genuinely unwinding. This faux relaxation does not foster the deep connections families need. The challenge lies in teaching children how to engage in slower, more meaningful activities.
Dr. Prabawa-Sear notes that many children and teens equate relaxation with scrolling through social media, which often leads to hyperstimulation rather than true relaxation. She explains, “The more stressed or isolated they feel, the more they want to scroll.” This trend underscores the urgent need for parents to guide their children toward authentic relaxation methods.
The summer holidays present a unique opportunity for families to reconnect. Dr. Prabawa-Sear encourages parents to create time for slow activities, like morning beach walks or leisurely bike rides, which can be coupled with small rewards to keep children engaged. “Incorporating something they value into slow activities makes them more enjoyable,” she advises.
Parents are urged to withstand the initial complaints from teens uncomfortable with disconnecting from their phones. “It’s essential for them to experience disconnection from screens to form deeper connections with family,” Dr. Prabawa-Sear emphasizes.
As the holiday season draws near, families are reminded of the importance of investing time in each other. “Putting the time in with them now, doing slow things together, is investing in their personal development and our relationship,” Dr. Prabawa-Sear states.
With the school year quickly approaching, parents are encouraged to embrace the slow and boring moments with their families. “We need to lean into this before the school year starts again,” she concludes, highlighting that these precious weeks are vital for fostering family bonds and personal growth.
For more insights on how to foster relaxation within families, follow Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear and Nature Play WA as they continue to advocate for healthier lifestyle habits.
