School’s almost out for the summer which means if you’re a parent you’re off the hook! No more helping with homework, chauffeuring the kids to and from school or packing lunch boxes, at least for the next few months. However, what does await you are the relentless ‘I’m bored’ comments murmured from your children’s mouths every five minutes. How can you keep the kids happy and maintain your sanity this summer? Stay active!
While it may be tempting to let the kids lounge on the couch and play video games all day, it’s important to keep them active. Kids today are spending a lot of time on their digital devices and aren’t getting enough of the activity their growing bodies need and crave. The demands of work and life can make it challenging for children of busy families to hit their daily activity goals. However, there are a few simple ways to motivate everyone to stay active this summer:
Lead by Example
Actions speak louder than words. When the kids see that an active, healthy lifestyle is important to you, they’ll be more likely to embrace the idea and follow in your footsteps. Go for a walk together after dinner or even jump in with your kids at the playground!
Try Something New
Maybe it’s time to take off those training wheels and help your child learn how to ride a bike. Or plan a day trip to a nearby lake and rent a kayak or canoe or try stand-up paddle boarding. Teach your kids how to play a modified sports game at a nearby park, which will encourage some healthy competition and probably result in a few laughs along the way.
Go Camping
Nothing says summer like spending a few nights under the stars in the great outdoors. Youngsters always seem to be mesmerised by the night sky, they’ve seen enough cartoons to justify that aliens do exist… It’s also one of the few appropriate times to indulge in a midnight snack, so don’t forget to pack your delicious IsaLean™ Bars or Whey Thins™ to get you by.
Splash and Swim
When temperatures rise, take your kids to a nearby pool or let them run wild through a spray pad. Many city and local community centres have pools featuring water slides, diving boards and other interactive play structures that will keep your kids entertained for hours without breaking the bank. Pack a picnic lunch or throw some Isagenix® Harvest Thins™ in your swim bag for a convenient and perfect way to satisfy your snack cravings.
Cook Together
Encourage your kids to join you in the kitchen. The summer is a great time to ‘cook’ without having to use an oven or stove. Look for kid-friendly recipes like salads and smoothies that are quick, easy and call for seasonal fruits such as peaches and blueberries and vegetables like corn, tomatoes and zucchini as sources of vitamins and nutrients. Use your children’s wild imaginations to create an icy IsaLean™ Shake combination that will be a welcomed relief from the searing heat.
Now, grab your kids, hit the road and go do something active!
