As summer break approaches, families in Suhar are weighing how best to occupy their children’s extended free time. Many parents are opting to enroll their children in various courses, camps, and training programs aimed at fostering skills, talents, and personal development. However, choosing the right activities can be challenging due to the wide range of options available.

A central issue for many households is striking a balance between parental guidance and allowing children the freedom to explore their own interests. Fatma al Balushi, a mother of three, emphasizes the importance of parental leadership in this process. She argues that particularly for younger children, parents should direct activity choices, as children may not always recognize what will benefit them long-term. “We need to help them choose activities that develop their skills,” she said.

Conversely, some parents advocate for giving children greater autonomy in picking their summer activities. Mohammed al Omairi, a father of two teenagers, believes that allowing children to select programs they enjoy increases their motivation and commitment. He cautioned that pushing children into involuntary programs often results in frustration and boredom. Teenagers especially value being involved in these decisions, feeling more responsible and respected as a result.

Fifteen-year-old Turki Ali shared his perspective, saying he appreciates when his parents propose several options but ultimately allow him to decide. “It makes me feel responsible and respected,” he noted.

Despite these differing views, many parents express concern about unrestricted freedom during the summer. Without guidance, some children may spend excessive time on screens, engaging in social media or video games, raising questions about the healthiest ways to spend the break. This often prompts parents to impose limits on activities to encourage more productive or balanced use of free time.

Experts suggest that the key to maximizing the benefits of summer activities lies not in who makes the decisions, but in how those decisions are reached. A collaborative approach, where parents provide guidance and set boundaries while considering their children’s interests and goals, is seen as the most effective way to enrich the summer experience for young people.