Summer is officially here and children across the country are enjoying their summer vacation. As much as children relish the time off, parents are concerned that they may become too sedentary. Television shows, video games, and smartphones can all take up precious time that could be spent doing other fun activities. Don’t let your kids become couch potatoes this summer. Use some of our tips to find fun outlets to help them stay active and mentally sharp all summer long.
1. Encourage Reading
Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean your kids should take a break from reading. In fact, reading is one of the most important skills for them to practice year round. Encourage a love of reading by letting your children select age appropriate books that interest them. Take a trip to the library as a family and let them check out their own books. If teachers have assigned a summer packet, make sure your children complete them. Reading will help your children retain what they have learned so they aren’t starting the next school year at a disadvantage.
2. Take Advantage of Summer Enrichment Programs
Many communities offer a variety of summer programs for children. Look for camps or clinics that may interest your child. Local art museums may offer art classes, music studios may offer summer lessons, or park systems may offer hikes and other activities. You can also check your local colleges and universities to see if they offer programs in areas such as STEM.
3. Spend Time Together
Quality time with loved ones is an important part of any child’s development. Summer is the perfect opportunity to spend time together making new memories. Create an art or craft project, have your children help plant and maintain a vegetable garden, or spend time cooking meals together. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to build a connection. Simply choose an activity you all enjoy and spend time doing it together.
4. Stay Active
Encourage your children to exercise over their summer break. Younger kids may enjoy time at the playground, while older children may enjoy playing sports with their friends. Kids of all ages love spending time at the pool. You can also incorporate family nature walks into your daily routine or take your children with you to a group exercise class. Find creative ways to build activity into your days.
Help Kids Stay Active
Summer break doesn’t have to mean lazy days spent in front of electronic devices. There are numerous ways that parents can help their children stay mentally engaged and physically active over the summer months. Help keep your child’s mind sharp by encouraging reading over the summer. You can also find a camp or program that sparks their interest and develops their imagination. Spending time together as a family will help deepen their bond with their loved ones and promote healthy relationships. Finally, staying active will keep them physically healthy and encourage good habits for life. Taking simple steps can provide a significant benefit to a child’s growth and development. Help your kids stay active and off the couch this summer.
