Summer break is all about fun for your kids, but it’s also an opportunity for them to be physically active, which is great for their health. You can also do other things to keep them healthy during the summer months, and to ensure their safety.
Keeping Kids Active During Summer Break
Sometimes getting kids active takes a little push. You can do several things to ensure that their summer break is full of physical activity.
Limit Screen Time
In the age of technology, kids have a lot of electronic temptations, from video games and social media, to streaming apps. Set ground rules for how much screen time is allowed per day or use a certain amount of screen time as a reward for engaging in physical activities.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Kick them out of the house, literally. Encourage activities like bike riding, playing basketball in the driveway, kicking a soccer ball in the yard, or playing at the park. If you have a pool available in your area, get a membership and take them swimming.
Have Family Fitness Time
Participating in fitness activities is good for you too! Do family bike rides, nature walks, or even workout sessions. You could also have family basketball or football games, or family time at the ball diamond doing batting practice.
Get Them in Sports Leagues or Day Camps
Most areas have plenty of summer sports leagues or sports camps for kids to participate in. These are opportunities not only for physical activity, but for your children to learn something new and make new friends.
Give Them Choices
Of course, you don’t want to force them to do activities that they don’t enjoy, so involve them in the planning process. Give them a list of choices or let them come up with ideas on their own. Be sure to make the whole process fun, so that the activities you plan are things they will look forward to.
Reward Them for Being Active
Be sure to positively reinforce their activity by offering some kind of reward, whether it’s screen time, a family dinner of their choice, or a small, sweet treat. You want them to know that you’re proud of how they are spending their summer free time.
Keeping Kids Healthy During Summer Break
While physical activity is great for your children’s health, you’ll want to make sure that they participate safely and take the opportunity to stay healthy in other ways.
Keep Them Hydrated and Cool
It’s important to make sure that your kids always have plenty of water available, especially when they’re engaged in physical activities. Pack their backpacks with water bottles and tell them how important it is to drink it frequently. Also, don’t let them stay in the heat for too long. Have them take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
Keep them coated in sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours when they are outside, or after they swim. If they will be somewhere without you, be sure to pack some in their backpacks and remind them to use it.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
In the summertime, kids often are bombarded with unhealthy food choices. From ice cream trucks to the snack stand at the pool, summer is full of temptation. Pack them healthy snacks to have when they are away from home and keep meals at home nutritious. You can also take them to farmers’ markets so that they can help to choose fresh produce for meals. It’s an opportunity for you to teach them about good nutrition.
Watch Out for Burn Hazards
Be aware of summer burn hazards like fireworks, sparklers, barbecue grills, and bonfires. Teach your children about these dangers and supervise them carefully when these hazards are present.
Make Sure They Wear Helmets
Kids often balk at wearing helmets, but it’s very important to have them on when bike riding, skateboarding, or riding a scooter. Explain to them the dangers of head injuries and keep an eye on them to make sure they keep their helmets on.
Protect Them from Summer Bugs
When playing in grass or walking in the woods, tics are always a danger. Put bug spray on your kids, have them wear long sleeves and pants on nature walks, and check them for tics when they come in from outside. Taking a shower or bath after coming in can also help to keep tics from latching on.
Take the Time to Get Routine Medical Care
The free time of summer is the perfect time to take your kids to the pediatrician to make sure they are up to date on vaccines, and to get school or sports physicals taken care of. Get these appointments out of the way early in the summer. Pediatricians are busier later in the summer when deadlines for physicals are looming.
In Closing
Summer is a time for fun, and the perfect time for kids to get lots of exercise. Get them moving but keep them safe. If you need to get your children caught up on their medical care, Health Service Alliance is here to help. We provide compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
