Jun 13, 2019
Taking Care of Your Child’s Health During Summer Break
Archive.
Summer break is often a big relief – the school due dates are gone, kids get to sleep in, and there is time for traveling and vacation. Summer often feels laid-back, so it may be the perfect time to put more focus on your child’s well-being, both physically and mentally.
Keep Them Healthy During the Break
Often, summertime means later bedtimes, a little more junk food, and more free time spent around the TV. These are all fun parts of summer, and they should be enjoyed.
However, it’s important to resist the temptation to let all guards down during the summer – your child should be healthy and well-prepared to go back into school once August rolls around.
However, it’s important to resist the temptation to let all guards down during the summer – your child should be healthy and well-prepared to go back into school once August rolls around.
A healthy diet and some structure will go a long way in keeping your child healthy during the summer. You can also take the opportunity to teach your child about eating healthy. Learn about food groups and what a healthy meal consists of together. Let your children choose and help cook a meal for the family once a week. This will give them the opportunity to make healthy choices in a fun, hands-on way.
Catch up on Doctor’s Appointments
Without all the business that comes with the school year, there is finally time to schedule your child’s doctor’s appointments for the year. This is a great opportunity to check up on your child’s health and make sure he or she is up to date on vaccinations.
Depending on your child’s age, here are some appointments that may be recommended, or even required, by your child’s school:
Depending on your child’s age, here are some appointments that may be recommended, or even required, by your child’s school:
- Annual check up
- Sport’s physical
- School physical
Take Every Opportunity for Physical Activity
Extra free time doesn’t have to mean hours and hours spent in front of the TV or computer. Set a time limit on electronics and screens and encourage your children to play outside instead. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities during the summer
- Sign your child up for sports camp
- Take a trip to the beach or pool
- Go for bike rides and walks as a family
- Go hiking on nature trails in your community
- Spend a day at the water park
Keep Their Minds Working
There are lots of ways for kids to exercise their minds without making it feel like they’re in school for the summer. Incorporate these fun, educational activities into the summer months to encourage learning and to keep your children’s minds sharp.
- Take field trips to the zoo, aquarium, or a museum
- Plan a scavenger hunt that involves solving riddles
- Read books together and reward your children when they finish reading a book
- Enroll your children in an educational summer camp
The free time that comes with summer can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Summer is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family, learning and living healthy.
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