What Does a Refreshing Break Really Look Like?
After a long day at school, tuition, and homework, children need time to relax and recharge. However, many children turn to their phones whenever they feel tired or bored. Interestingly, children also observe their parents’ habits. When parents return from work and relax by scrolling through their phones, children may naturally feel that using a phone is the best way to unwind.
At the same time, parents may expect children to avoid phones and choose other activities. This can feel unfair to children if they see different rules being followed at home. Children learn not only from what parents say, but also from what parents do. Therefore, creating a healthy balance begins with the whole family.
Simple Ways to Enjoy a Refreshing Break
1. Resting Without Feeling Guilty
After returning from school, children may need some quiet time before starting homework. Parents can encourage them to rest for 10–15 minutes without immediately asking them to study. Adults also need rest after work, and children deserve the same understanding after a busy school day.
2. Enjoying a Healthy Snack
Having a snack and a glass of water can provide a pleasant pause between activities. Parents can prepare fruit, a sandwich, or another nutritious snack while taking time to sit and talk with their children.
3. Talking with Family
A simple conversation with parents or siblings can help children feel connected. Instead of immediately asking, “Have you finished your homework?”, parents can ask, “How was your day?” Keeping phones aside during family conversations encourages everyone to listen and share their experiences.
4. Listening to Music or Drawing
Listening to favourite songs, sketching, colouring, or exploring a hobby can provide a refreshing change from academic work. For example, a child who feels frustrated with a difficult maths problem might draw for a few minutes before trying again. Parents can also participate in these activities rather than spending every break on their phones.
5. Playing Outdoors
Cycling, walking, playing cricket, or spending time with friends helps children move their bodies and enjoy fresh air. A short outdoor game can be a welcome break after several hours of sitting in classrooms and studying. Parents can encourage this by joining their children for an evening walk or playtime.
6. Doing Nothing for a While
Not every break needs a planned activity. Sometimes, children simply want to sit quietly, look outside, or daydream. Parents should understand that children do not need to be productive every minute. A little unstructured time can help them relax naturally.
Are Parents Setting the Right Example?
Imagine a child returning from school and asking to use a phone. The parent refuses, saying, “Phones are a waste of time. Go and do something useful.” Later, the child sees the same parent spending an hour scrolling through social media after work.
The child may wonder why phone use is acceptable for adults but not for them. Instead of creating this difference, parents can explain that everyone needs breaks while also showing how to use them responsibly.
For example, a parent could say, “I also feel tired after work, and I sometimes use my phone to relax. But I am trying to balance it with other activities. Let’s both keep our phones aside for a while and go for a walk.”
This approach teaches children through example rather than criticism. Families can agree on reasonable screen-time limits, phone-free meals, and shared activities. The aim is not to ban phones completely, but to make sure they do not become the only way to relax.
Conclusion
A refreshing break can mean listening to music, talking with family, playing outdoors, drawing, or simply sitting quietly. Every child may find relaxation in a different way.
Parents should remember that healthy habits are easier to develop when the entire family practises them together. If we expect children to put their phones aside, we must also be willing to put ours aside sometimes. By setting a positive example and allowing children to rest without guilt, families can build healthier routines and enjoy a better balance between work, studies, and personal time.
-Asmi Purohit
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