Parenting is never easy, it is challenging at every step. And specially we have our apprehensions and restrictions on the agenda “keeping kids active during summer”. Active kids are fit and they have advanced cognitive development and they stay better academically. Winter weather severity takes away the outdoor fun but during summers it is time to cover up for the rest. Also when school years ends, sedentary activities begin to take up our kids time. TV or Video games not only fix them at one place but also make them dull and stubborn. Children must be a part of summer camps and activities to evolve and stimulate their enrichment. Check campnavigator for some of the most exclusive listings for summer camps and other special programs. Read reviews and pick your fit.
Keeping kids active during summer :
1- Involve kids in summer camps:
Not just the skill or competence acquired in the designated activity, but summer camps help in overall development of a child. They keep the kids active both mentally and physically. Their schedules are so well organized that kids enjoy challenges and tasks with peers around. Being involved in summer camps makes the kid engaged and healthy
2- Fix up a routine for outdoor activities:
For summers, you must set up a time fixed for outdoor fun. Even if its in patio or backyard give your kids ample sports activities and outdoor games to be physically fit. This activity will help them utilize their energy in a positive way. And outdoors are always appreciated if kids are not addicted to screen times.
3- Switch off the TV:
Do not let your kids get stationed at the TV set. Sedentary fixtures make the kids lethargic and drifts them away from outdoor fun. Let TV be fixed for a few hours and shut it for rest of the time. The more they have screen time, the less they will be involved in activities at home or around. So it is better to either shut it off completely or limit the view
[Read: Ways on spending quality time with your child]
4- Children learn by example:
Be a role model for your child, and show them the importance of outdoor activities and fun. Involve in some family based outdoor fun at aquatics or parks. Ample outdoor games for family are also a great way of enriching family bond in addition to some wonderful physical activities. Take the lead in incorporating jogging, running, zumba, swimming and biking in your own routine; and then invite your kids also to be a part. The more you show these activities, the more will kids be participative.
5- Involve kids in chores too:
Household chores are also important for instilling some essential life skills and also keeping the kids active. Most children just enjoy being a part of laundry, cleaning, washing and organizing activities at home. Do not refuse their participation. Rather you must have challenges set for tasks and time. This will not only get the work done but also make it fun and thrilling for kids
6- Organize outdoor playdates for them:
Set up a well planned outdoor date for their friends. Add some elements of fun and frolic in addition to fitness. This not only ensures their participation but brings all the more enjoyment and fun. Have soccer, baseball, rugby, tennis, golf and other games set, these are some of the most exciting games at their age. Sports must be an interest for every child, and they should pick their choice soon enough. So keep introducing them to all the fun filled activities.
[Read: rainy day activities for kids]
7- Summer special games:
Splash pool, trampoline, inflatables and slides are all summer time fun. Every child loves and longs for them. So set these up in your backyard or join community activity centers for some of the most incredible fitness activities for children.
[Read: First time camping tips for beginners]
8- Gardening is fun and instills fitness:
Leaf raking, lawn mowing, Clipping bushes, pulling weeds and growing plants, all these activities are super fun for kids. Just involve them and let them bond with mother nature. The more they are in proximity of nature the better they will enjoy ahead. Fix up a time during the day for gardening. This will set a routine for these activities.
9- Muddy puddle jumping:
Set up puddles in your backyard and fill them with water, turn on your gum boots and just splash in it. This is the most fun of all the above activities. Children just adore jumping in puddles and getting muddy stains. It is great for their fitness and fun during summer time
10- Day trips:
Go out and about to a zoo, an aquarium, an amusement park, museums and places for fun-filled enrichment, in summers. Plan your trips well in advance and enjoy these enriching and thrilling days in summers. Kids love to explore so make them gain a lot of knowledge about the places you visit and things you see.
[Read: Best indoor activities for kids]
The above compilation on Keeping kids active during summer is based on experiences and learnings over time. As a parent it is very important for us to introduce as many activities as we can, to help our kids stay active and stimulated. Most of the time we ignore their needs for outdoor fun and introduce tablets and mobile devices early on in life, this not only makes them stationed indoors but also takes their time of physical activities. Be sure to involve yourself too, as the children look up to parents and follow them. Set the right example for them to enjoy fitness and health amid fun-filled games and activities.
Check campnavigator for some wonderful and enriching camps to make your child’s summer a beautiful experience. Share ahead, and keep writing us. We love hearing from you!
By Minu Manisha
