Healthy Kids Summer Break

Summer vacation is in full swing!  Unfortunately, with TV, the internet and social media, and gaming consoles, it can be a real struggle keeping kids healthy and active while they are not in school.  Here are some great ideas for encouraging your children to stay healthy, active, and still enjoy their summer vacation!

Start the day with a healthy breakfast:  Hopefully we all know the importance of starting each day with a healthy, balanced breakfast.  This will pack them full of sustainable energy for a fun-filled day.

Get active yourself:  Children learn from watching you, so if you're outside enjoying the sun, they will too!  Encourage outdoor games, invite other kids over to enjoy different activities, or organize a family walk through a park or local trail.  The key is to get outside and get moving!  One of my favorite things to do is getting them involved in outdoor projects; usually this is some kind of gardening for my family.

Join in:  Many sport teams are in full swing over the summer.  Now is the perfect time for your child to get involved in a local team.  Not only will your child remain active and fit, but they will also learn cooperation and teamwork, while also making new friends.  If your child isn't naturally sporty, encourage them to try other physical pursuits, such as hula hooping, rollerblading, or even just dancing to their favorite music.

Beat the heat:  What would summer be without some fun water activities?  Swimming at the lake or pool is always a hit at my house.  If you do not have access to a pool or lake, water balloons, sprinklers, and water guns are great ways to enjoy some watery fun at home without breaking the bank!

Revisit your childhood:  Get outdoors with your children and play your favorite childhood games.  Some examples include Red Light-Green Light, Simon Says, and Duck-Duck-Goose.  The time spent playing ‘with’ your kids will be a priceless memory!

Make time for family:  Your child’s emotional well being is just as important as their physical well being.  No matter how busy everyone is, make time for a sit-down meal each night.  Take advantage of the longer days and cook a healthy dinner; then enjoy it together, spending time as a family.  Hopefully, this can become a habit that will carry into the school year as well!

Make the most of your summer, and enjoy this time with your kids.  Because, as I am learning (and many of you already know!), this time goes by way too fast!!