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Constructive Use of Time
Definition of Constructive Use of Time
Constructive use of time means that the child engages in creative cultural,
community, or school activities; the child is engaged in spiritual and/or religious
activities; the child has a valued role in their family, community, and school.
The Elders Say...
Provide opportunities for children to be outside and in the woods to learn about medicines and survival skills.
“The cultural teachings involve many medicines, and the children should experience time in the woods to locate these medicines. In the Anishinaabe teachings, there is a natural medicine for any sickness we encounter. A medicine man would fast and he would be told what medicines would help the sick individual.”
Involve children in helpful activities and play.
“Have children take responsibility for, for example, watering the house plants. Be sure to explain how the activity contributes to the plants’ growth. Play games with your child, games that involve the mind and physical activity. These activities are rehearsals for the real-life activities they will face.”
Limit the time kids spend watching TV and playing video games, and instead involve them in cultural programs and ceremonies.
“A good kid will not have too many bad influences, such as too much TV watching. TVs open up subjects never talked about in traditional times, such as subjects on sexual activity, random killings of others, etc. The more children see, the more they want to do themselves. Kids need to be limited on how much they watch TV or play video games, and what they watch.”
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