- Get the family moving….Here are some ideas to get the kids off of their iPads
- At least 60 minutes is the recommended time for physical activity on a daily basis, so get them up and moving by setting up a scavenger hunt! The best part about this activity is that you can prep ahead of time, set everything up the day before and the backyard is a prime real-estate. Set up about 6-8 different stations where kids will have to solve puzzles, decipher a riddle or complete an activity. At the end, have a prize of summer toys from the dollar store for completing the hunt.They will love the spontaneity and it will serve as a lasting memory of their childhood.
- Set up a Neighborhood Olympics. My sister and I did this as children and we got all of the children from the neighborhood involved…and we had a blast! Help your kids set up different “Olympic events” outside, for example: relay races, horseshoes, long jump, etc. then have the kids color and cut out medals for the first, second and third place categories. Get your camera ready for some great pics and your kids will enjoy the competitive fun!
- Make exercise a family affair.Working out as a family is fun and is great modeling for your children to demonstrate to them the importance of exercise in their lives.Go for a bike ride as a family around the park.If you get stuck with a rainy day or it’s just too hot to be out, hop in the car and head to the nearest bowling alley.We just celebrated my older daughter’s birthday at the bowling alley and we all had a great time.We all discussed how we should do this more often….and the kids loved yelling “STRIKE”!
- Encouraging healthy eating during the summer months:
- Rainbow eating.Have the children help set up bowls of fruit for snacking from all the colors in the rainbow.Have a rainbow picture displayed on the table and then have them grab fruit to represent each color: strawberries for red, banana for yellow, blueberries for blue, etc.They will love the activity and then the treat of eating their rainbow.May help with the picky eaters in the family as well if you make it a family fun activity. J
- Take the kids on a trip to the farmer’s market.Let them grab a bag and pick a few fruits or veggies of their own that they want to try when they get home. Get them involved in the cleaning of their fruits and veggies once in the kitchen and make the experience interactive for them. They will be asking you when you can take another trip to the market…
- Make some healthy popsicles.Watermelon juice popsicles are delicious and nutritious!Help the kids squeeze small watermelon chunks into a bowl and the juice will be easy to extract.They will love getting their hands messy and it will be a fun family activity.Place the juice in Popsicle molds and a few hours later you will have homemade healthy summer treats.
- Create quiet relaxation time; down time is important for kids to stay healthy. Often times as parents, we are so obsessed with keeping kids occupied that we can sometimes overschedule our day and theirs. Some quiet creative play time is important for them as well, and it doesn’t have to involve any form of electronics. Ask your kids to put on a show for you.Tell them to work on a story with characters and costumes and have them present it that evening after dinner.You may be impressed with how imaginative they can be.We recently had quite a production at my sister’s house when my family came to visit from Atlanta.The kids planned a musical theater production that even had PLAYBILL printouts off the computer. It is a great 2015 summer memory we will always share.
- Hydration, hydration, hydration. Make sure the entire family is keeping up with their H2O intake during the summer.Fill up assigned water bottles for each family member in the morning and have a sign where the kids can check off when they have completed their bottle.Set a required number of fill ups for the day and make sure everyone meets their quota.Also, if you are getting tired of drinking plain water, infuse your H2O with some fruit for a refreshing alternative.
- Sleep tight…. According to the National Sleep Foundation there are two alternating types or states of sleep: Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) or “quiet” sleep.This type of sleep is essential for increased blood supply to our muscles, for tissue growth and repair, where energy is restored and important hormones are released for adequate growth and development. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or “active” sleep is where our brains are dreaming.Our bodies become immobile and our breathing and heart rate can vary. The importance of getting proper sleep cannot be emphasized enough in terms of restoration of energy and overall good health.Poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral issues and cognitive deficits.To have a healthy summer and beyond, make sure you get the kids to sleep at a reasonable hour.Keep a consistent schedule and bedtime routine. Have a wind down process at bedtime and make the child’s bedroom conducive to sleep (cool, dark and quiet). Shut down the electronic stimuli and avoid caffeine/sugary snacks in the late afternoon or early evening.
This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.
