As schools close for the long July holiday, educators warn that idle children face increased exposure to peer pressure, crime, drug abuse and digital addiction, urging parents to prioritise life-skills development.
By Kadijat Ibrahim
ABUJA, Nigeria – July 16, 2026
With schools across Nigeria closing for the long July vacation, education and child development experts are urging parents and guardians to make intentional plans to engage their children in meaningful learning activities, warning that prolonged idleness during the holidays could expose young people to negative influences.
The annual school break provides children with an opportunity to rest after months of academic work. However, experts say the period can either become a season of growth and discovery or one marked by behavioural challenges, depending on the level of parental guidance and supervision.
The popular saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” remains relevant, particularly at a time when children have unrestricted access to social media, online gaming, and other distractions that may shape their attitudes and future choices.
School Holidays: A Critical Period for Character Development
Child psychologists and education professionals argue that school holidays should not be viewed merely as a break from academics but as a strategic period for developing life skills that traditional classroom education may not adequately provide.
They note that while academic excellence remains important, qualities such as leadership, emotional intelligence, communication and financial literacy increasingly determine success in adulthood.
Parents are therefore encouraged to intentionally create environments where children can learn practical skills, volunteer, read books, participate in community activities and acquire positive habits.
Skill One: Identity – Helping Children Discover Who They Are
Experts say one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is helping them develop a strong sense of identity.
Children who understand their values, strengths and purpose are less likely to succumb to peer pressure or engage in risky behaviour.
Developing identity enables children to:
- Build self-confidence.
- Resist negative peer influence.
- Make independent and responsible decisions.
- Develop positive self-esteem.
According to child development specialists, identity serves as the foundation upon which future decisions and relationships are built.
Skill Two: Personal Leadership – Raising Responsible Children
Leadership begins with self-discipline rather than authority.
Experts believe children who learn to take initiative early in life become adults capable of solving problems independently.
Personal leadership encourages children to:
- Take responsibility for their actions.
- Develop discipline.
- Show initiative.
- Become dependable individuals.
They stress that although parents guide children today, tomorrow those children must learn to guide themselves.
Skill Three: Public Speaking – Building Confidence Through Communication
Many gifted children struggle to express themselves effectively despite possessing exceptional talents.
Communication experts describe public speaking as one of the most valuable skills for future academic, professional and leadership success.
Learning effective communication helps children:
- Speak confidently.
- Present ideas clearly.
- Build leadership qualities.
- Stand out during interviews, competitions and public engagements.
Experts note that confidence often creates opportunities long before academic qualifications do.
Skill Four: Career Awareness – Inspiring Purpose Early
Career guidance professionals believe introducing children to various professions during holidays helps them connect classroom learning with future ambitions.
Exposure to different careers motivates children to study with greater purpose and enthusiasm.
Career awareness enables children to:
- Discover their interests.
- Understand future opportunities.
- Develop long-term goals.
- Stay motivated academically.
Having a clear direction, experts say, often transforms children’s attitudes toward education.
Skill Five: Time Management – Developing Productive Habits
Education consultants warn that unmanaged holiday time can quickly become wasted time.
Teaching children how to organise daily activities prepares them for lifelong productivity.
Effective time management helps children:
- Balance study and recreation.
- Develop healthy routines.
- Improve concentration.
- Build discipline.
Experts maintain that children who value time early are more likely to become productive adults.
Skill Six: Financial Wisdom – Teaching Money Management Early
Financial literacy is increasingly recognised as an essential life skill.
Experts recommend introducing children to basic concepts such as saving, budgeting and responsible spending during the holidays.
Financial education enables children to:
- Appreciate the value of money.
- Save consistently.
- Avoid unnecessary spending.
- Develop responsible financial habits.
They argue that many adult financial problems stem from poor money habits developed during childhood.
Skill Seven: Emotional Resilience – Preparing Children for Life’s Challenges
Life inevitably presents disappointments, setbacks and failures.
Psychologists say emotionally resilient children recover more quickly from adversity and maintain a positive outlook despite challenges.
Emotional resilience helps children:
- Handle disappointment positively.
- Manage stress.
- Build perseverance.
- Develop healthy coping strategies.
According to experts, resilience is one of the strongest predictors of future success and emotional well-being.
Parents Play the Most Important Role
Education stakeholders emphasise that while schools provide academic instruction, parents remain the primary teachers of character and life values.
They encourage families to use the holiday period for reading sessions, leadership training, sports, vocational learning, volunteer work, creative arts, technology education and meaningful conversations that strengthen family relationships.
Experts also advise limiting excessive screen time and encouraging activities that stimulate creativity, discipline and social interaction.
As Nigerian children begin their July holiday, experts say the choices parents make during the vacation could significantly influence their children’s future.
Beyond academic success, developing identity, leadership, communication, career awareness, time management, financial wisdom and emotional resilience can equip young people to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose.
Rather than allowing the holiday to become a season of idleness, parents are encouraged to transform it into a period of intentional learning, personal growth and character building that will benefit their children for years to come.
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