Summer Style for Kids
I was driving my son home from school the other day, and we talked about the business projects I’m working on this summer. He asked me if I had anything especially for kids, because he’s seen the difference his own healthy practices have made in his schoolwork, athletics, overall fitness, and skin.
So, we decided to collaborate on this blog for you in time for summer. Here are our own best practices for summer kid style. Please note: We are not perfect, but this is what we try to do each summer. They really help.
1) Keep kids fed with healthy foods.
It’s tempting to skip meals when kids are home for the summer, but breakfast is important for young people’s developing brains. Breaking for a mid-day lunch helps them to stay energized as they enjoy camp or swimming in the pool. And a family dinner is always a good thing, whether school is in session or not. We still come together each day to talk about our days.
For a healthy breakfast that’s sure to thrill your kids, put your own spin on this Yogurt Parfait.
Some of our favorite, easy summer kids meals are here.
2) Keep kids active and exercise their brains, too.
School sports are over, and kids still need regular fitness. You know that, so keep them moving every day to maintain health, burn energy, and keep their moods, sleep, and weight, regular.
No lying around the house on X-Box! OK, well, at least not every day.
Get your kids to read, too, starting now. Keeping up with summer reading, and exercising their brains with math skills is a key part of back to school success, especially as they get older. There are multiple studies out there that prove that kids lose brain power over the summer, so don’t let that be yours.
Set up a reading and math calendar, even a couple hours a week of math will help to keep their brains functioning, and pick a summer book to read along with your kid.
3) Keep kids happy by protecting their sensitive skin.
Sunscreen is important for young skin, since early sunburns can lead to skin cancer later in life. but the quality of protection is important too. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s 2015 sunscreen guide for the brands that work, and are safe for your kids. Chemicals not allowed.
4) Keep kids hydrated.
My son dehydrated at summer camp one summer, so he’s pretty dedicated to this topic. Kids can miss the clues that they need water when they’re having fun, so stay ahead of this one at all times. And remember, everybody’s different. Some kids need more than others.
For some easy and delicious ways to keep the entire family hydrated check out my collection of healthy summer drinks
5) Keep regular sleep schedules.
As my son gets older, he’s doing this on his own. He feels better if he gets a full nights sleep, and wakes up early enough to get active or accomplish something each day. Just like us, kids feel a strong sense of self confidence if they do.
Don’t wait until August to get them back to schedule, stay ahead of the game by not veering too far off their regular sleep cycle this summer.
Need more?
You can find my easiest summer snacks, great for the kids and you, here.
