Keep the kids moving in the lazy days of summer
By Kathy Kaehler
Summer is the time for fun in the sun, popsicles, lemonade, sleeping in and hanging out. But overdoing it in the R&R department can add some extra pounds – and make for some bored, crabby kids.
But all moms, dads, grandparents or other caretakers need to keep kids fit and happy is a game plan. Here’s what I suggest.
Set up a summer activity chart. Have your kids choose from fun activities, such as:
- Washing the car.
- Playing Frisbee tag with a sibling.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Giving the dog a bath.
- Roller skating.
- Taking a family walk.
- Hunting for treasure in the backyard.
- Flying a kite.
- Playing freeze tag.
- Tie-dyeing sheets and make a tent.
- Planting a garden in a pot.
- Playing hopscotch.
- Jumping rope.
- Playing dress up.
- Riding a bike.
Establish routine, just like you do when school’s in session. For instance, choose a wakeup time that everyone in the house agrees upon. (It doesn’t have to be quite as early as regular school hours, though.) Then give your kids two healthy breakfast choices. This way they get to pick, but you know either way they are getting a healthy breakfast. For my kids I have a plate of fresh fruit ready on the table so they grab that first.
During breakfast, decide on the activity of the day. Families with more than one child can choose as a group each day.
Following breakfast, the activities begin!
By the end of the summer, you will have fit and happy kids.
