How do you plan to keep your kids active this summer? It is a known fact kids who are physically active tend to have a lower risk of diseases later in life and tend to be more academically motivated and have a higher self-esteem. The CDC recommends that Children engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each and every day. What can you do to keep kids active this summer? Here are 10 great ideas you can implement for kids of any age:
1 – Turn off the television. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 2 years of age should NOT watch any television or videos. The AAP further states that children over 2 years of age should watch no more than two hours of television per day. Plus, you don't want your child to turn into a couch potato, do you?
2 – Go for a walk. People who walk have less incidence of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. They also tend to live longer. This quote sums it up perfectly: “Walking is man's best medicine.” –Hippocrates
3 – Go to the playground. At the playground, your children will have a range of activities to choose from such as running around with other children, climbing on monkey bars and riding on the swings.
4 – Have a dance night. When I was younger, my sisters and I would have a weekly dance party. Not only was it fun, we got a great workout out of it.
5 – Go bike riding. Riding a bike is a pollution free way to explore your neighborhood while getting a great cardiovascular workout.
6 –Buy toys. Consider buying toys that encourage physical activity like jump ropes, balls, and kites.
7 – Plan family activities. Family activities allow the whole family to stay active. Consider planning a family picnic, a visit to a museum or even an early morning or afternoon hike.
8 –Schedule play dates. Play dates allow your children to do what they do best – play!
9 –Chores. Giving your child something to do around the house, like washing dishes or folding laundry can help keep them active even if it's only for a short amount of time.
{photo credit}
10 – Enroll your child in a summer program. There are so many summer programs geared towards keeping your children active during the summer. You may still have time to enroll your children in one. Check the local schools in your area as well as your local YMCA to see if they offer these types of programs.
What are some ways you keep your kids active during the summer?
For more great content about summer, please be sure to check out these awesome posts written by my fellow Chosen Chix bloggers:
- Car Essentials for Summer Adventures by November Sunflower
- 10 Things To Do With Kids During The Summer by The Mommy-Files
- How to Preserve Garlic Scapes from the Garden by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
- How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Summer by MomsGoodEats
- 8 Books to Read This Summer by The NYC Talon
- Creative Uses of a Pool Noodle In Summer by Family Review Guide
