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How to Keep Your Child Active Over Summer Break

low-cost summer family fun ideas a bunch of kids dumping buckets of water on their dad in a park Middle Class Dad

As a parent, keeping your child active during summer break can be difficult. So many tempting activities encourage a sedentary lifestyle, like playing video games or watching TV. However, it’s important to make sure your child stays active, so they don’t get out of shape and fall behind on their fitness, requiring a visit to ThriveMD. Here are some tips to help you keep your child active over summer break.

Create a summer schedule for your child that includes daily activities

Creating a summer schedule for your child can ensure that they still enjoy their break while sticking to beneficial and enriching things. Parents should build their child’s summer with a mix of things like reading for pleasure, outdoor time, and time to be creative and use their imagination and wrap it all up with educational endeavors to keep some structure in place. You can also help them explore new activities like camp programs or volunteer work within their community. Above all else, make sure the schedule takes your child’s individual needs into account, with plenty of downtime for leisure and restorative activities. This way, your kiddo can have a fun, yet educational summer break!

Sign your child up for sports camps or lessons to help them stay active

With so many activities and extracurriculars available to children, it can be difficult to know what will have a positive impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health. Sporting camps or lessons are an excellent way to help your child stay active while learning new skills, making friends, and gaining valuable life experiences. Such activities give children an opportunity to develop not just physically, but also cognitively as they learn teamwork and sportsmanship. Learning physical disciplines also teaches kids self-confidence and gives them a sense of accomplishment that may become the foundation of their future successes in life. Signing your child up for a summer camp or taking lessons with qualified instructors is not only part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s also a great way for parents to stay connected with their kids during the summer months when school’s out.

Make sure to schedule in plenty of outdoor time for running around and playing games

Spending time outdoors is drastically important now more than ever. Not only does it get your body moving and can help improve overall health, but provides a much-needed break from the screens. Allowing yourself to just be in nature can be calming and provide an opportunity to reset, while also allowing creative thinking to come through as you take in your surroundings. Scheduling plenty of outdoor time for running around, breathing fresh air, and playing games should be a priority. Consider carving out some time every day when the weather allows or even a couple of days during the week for extended outdoor activities such as hikes and bike rides. Here’s to getting outside and embracing all that the outdoors has to offer!

Keep the TV and other screens off limits for certain periods of the day

Encouraging your family to turn off the television and other screens during certain periods of the day can have positive effects on their health. Limiting screen time has been linked to improved sleep quality, less stress and anxiety, and more physical activity in children. Furthermore, it can encourage creative activities like arts and crafts or play outdoors for those same children. With these benefits in mind, consider setting a good example for your family by adhering to appropriate limits on screen usage yourself.

Set up a play date with another family to help keep kids socially engaged

Taking the necessary precautionary measures such as maintaining a safe distance and ensuring everyone has their masks on, setting up a play date with another family is an ideal way to help keep kids socially engaged. Play dates give kids an opportunity to mingle with other children and socialize in the safest ways possible. In addition, it is also an excellent way for parents to interact with one another in a safe and secure environment. Therefore, an outdoor play date with proper physical distancing guidelines can be an enjoyable activity for both the children and the adults involved.

Brainstorm creative ways to get moving, like dancing in the living room or having a water balloon fight

Getting active doesn’t have to be a chore. Try putting some fun into your day by exploring new ways of getting some exercise. Dancing in the living room not only gives you a cardiovascular boost but is a great chance to let loose and enjoy yourself – plus, it’s a lot of fun! Spice up your yard with a good old-fashioned water balloon fight. You’ll get all the benefits of running and throwing while having a fantastic time playing with friends and family. There are numerous creative ways to make exercise an enjoyable experience without hitting the gym – so try something different. You won’t regret it!

Summer can be a great time for families to reconnect and have fun together. By creating a structured but flexible daily schedule that includes physical activities, creative playtime, some learning opportunities, and plenty of rest, your children will get the most out of their summer experience. Vacation is a time for freedom and letting go of routines, but it can also be essential for development and growth throughout each stage of childhood. Give your child the gift of time this summer – time to explore new places, try out new activities, and make lasting memories.

Jeff Campbell