Healthy Summer for Kids

Helping your children stay healthy in the summer starts by setting a good example. In the summer, schedules change and routines tend to fall by the wayside. Establishing a summer routine with flexibility will allow children to have fun, yet remain healthy. One activity most kids enjoy is planting a garden. Growing their own food makes kids more likely to eat items they might not otherwise.

Involve your kids in the process from start to finish. Have them help prepare the soil, plant the seeds, pick the ripened vegetables and help cook them. A garden helps get kids involved in eating right, but there are other ways to encourage good nutrition. Involve them in planning a menu, grocery shopping and cooking. Allow them to help make food decisions.

You do not have to ban children from television, computers or video games to get them to exercise. Instead, limit the amount of time they spend doing them. Most kids are active by nature. Insist that they spend time outside, and before you know it, they will be exercising naturally. Many communities have splash pads or swimming pools. Water activities are a great way for kids to exercise and socialize with their friends.

Most cities have sports activities in the summer for kids. Allow you children to participate in one of them. It will provide good exercise, allow them to see their friends and teaches them the importance of teamwork. Churches, the YMCA and other youth organizations usually offer a variety of summer activities. However, if your children do not like sports, do not force them to participate. Take part in a marathon or benefit walk giving your children a sense of helping others as they exercise.

If your area does not provide a water activity, consider investing in a swimming pool. The expense is well worth the exercise they will get. Even a sprinkler in the yard that they can play in will encourage exercising. Exercise as a family. You can put a new spin on things by creating your own games. Frisbee, soccer, golf, badminton, jump rope and dancing are good starting points. Turn a hiking trip into a treasure hunt to add some intrigue.

All children should have assigned chores around the house. Try to make sure your child's task creates an opportunity for exercise. Some chores that will provide them with exercise is walking the dog, cleaning the flower beds, putting up the laundry, vacuuming, and sweeping are only a few of the chores that will get their body moving.

Children need proper rest in the summer to remain healthy. It is a parent's responsibility to see that they get it. There should still be an approximate bedtime. While there is nothing wrong with having a flexible summer routine, the proper amount of rest is necessary. Children seldom go to bed voluntarily, so when you see your child is over tired re-adjust the summer schedule. Keep your kids healthy by choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.

For more ideas on feeding kids healthy meals, and teaching healthy habits with the new MyPlate, visit Super Healthy Kids

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