Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh

Between vacation and idleness... Where do our children go?

July 17, 2026 - 01:01 | Last update July 17, 2026 - 01:01

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With the start of the summer vacation

each year

an important question repeats in many homes:

Where do our sons and daughters go

for all this long time?

Idleness is not just passing hours,

but a space that may be invested

in what benefits

or wasted in what does not.

Between these two paths, the family and society stand before a shared responsibility to create a generation more aware and confident,

and capable of building its future.

The state - may Allah preserve it - has provided

vast opportunities for youth through

sports clubs,

cultural programs,

volunteer activities,

seasonal initiatives,

and events held in various

regions of the Kingdom.

Nevertheless,

the greater role remains for the family in guiding children towards what develops their abilities,

hones their talents,

and strengthens their connection to their religion,

their homeland and society.

And the observer today notices that much of the vacation time is spent between smart devices and social media sites,

and electronic games,

which are means that may be beneficial

if used properly,

but they can become time-consuming and energy-draining if balance

and supervision and guidance are absent.

And it is beautiful that the vacation turns into an opportunity for reading,

acquiring skills,

volunteer work,

visiting relatives,

and learning about the landmarks and projects of the homeland,

and participating in programs that develop personality and open future horizons,

for nations are not built on wishes,

but are built with knowledge and work,

and investment of energies.

Indeed, our sons and daughters

are our true wealth,

and investment in humans remains the greatest and most enduring investment.

And every hour invested today in

building a young man or young woman

will reflect tomorrow as good on the family, society, and the nation.

And the hope remains that the vacation turns from a season of idleness to a season of construction,

and from wasted time to an opportunity

where talents are discovered,

and ambitions are forged,

and through which a brighter future is drawn

for our sons and daughters.

And Allah is the source of purpose..