Summer is a great time for kids to have fun and relax; but for parents, it may raise new challenges that can cause increased stress levels. Parents need to find ways to manage and ensure their children maintain healthy habits as the summer progresses. The long, hot sunny days of summer can give the impression of a relaxing break, but summer health habits for kids cannot be overlooked. Below are some health tips for summer and how to promote them to your children:
1. Hydration
Keeping your kids well-hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration and other related health problems. Make sure you teach your children the importance of drinking plenty of water frequently, especially during hot weather, and at frequent intervals, which will create a healthy habit of hydration.
2. Create a Balanced Diet
Summer can be extremely packed with energetic activities, so it’s important to ensure your child continues to get a balanced nutritious diet. Keep your children’s diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, and protein-rich meals.
3. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is still significant throughout the summer months for kids. Encourage outdoor physical activities, such as going for bike rides, swimming pool games, and playing in local parks; these can all be perfect exercises helping to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
4. Sun Protection
Summer means a lot of sun exposure, increasing the risk of sunburn and potential skin hazards. Make sun protection a priority for children with sunscreen applied 30 minutes before going outdoors, a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing that covers exposed areas during excessive sun peak hours.
5. Playtime With Friends
Children may be going through phases of missing their old school friends while they are on summer break. Arrange playdates with friends, or enroll them in other recreational and learning opportunities, such as art classes or summer camps for a chance to engage with old friends or make new ones.
6. Hygiene Habits
Teaching proper hygiene habits is crucial for maintaining good health. Teach children the importance of handwashing, brushing teeth, and taking care of personal cleanliness. Make these habits fun by using colorful soaps, child-friendly toothbrushes, and by playing their favorite songs during brushing time.
7. Emotional Well-being
Promote emotional well-being by fostering positive relationships and a supportive environment. Encourage social interactions, empathy, and kindness towards others. Teach them problem-solving skills and how to manage conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner. Encourage hobbies and activities that bring them joy and allow them to express themselves creatively.
8. Promote Good Sleep Habits
With so much activity happening over the summer, it’s imperative that your kids get an adequate amount of sleep each night, as proper rest is essential for growth, development, and overall well-being. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment to support healthy resting habits is the best way to practice this.
It is the responsibility of parents to maintain healthy habits for children, whether during summer or other seasons. Rising Stride Child Care Centers has programs designed for this, to ensure your kids are active, engaged, and checked for their well-being in a healthy and welcoming environment. All Meals included with registration. Visit us today and receive a Free Trial Week.