As the summer months quickly approach, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do with your kids. They will soon have the next few months off from school, so you’re going to need to occupy them somehow.
Keeping them busy shouldn’t mean sitting them in front of a screen all day playing video games (which I know mine would love to do). Your kids need to get active so they stay healthy until they get back to school in the fall. You may want to get them involved in summer camp, but that can cost you a fortune (unless you sign them up for a free camp! See my guide: Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2018!). If you’re looking for ways to keep them active while maintaining your budget, there are some things you can do. Here are some easy and affordable tips for keeping your kids healthy this summer.
Homemade Treats
Push Doctor says your kids can actually have their ice cream and eat it too this summer. While ice cream is one of the most sugary treats children love to consume, making it yourself can help protect their health, even their teeth. Spend a Sunday with your children in the kitchen teaching them the importance of eating well while showing them that there are ways to eat their favorites while doing so. At least 90% of households in the United States indulge in a frozen, sweet treat on a regular basis. Creating your own ice cream using fruits, fat-free or low-fat milk, and other nutritious toppings will provide your family with a healthy version of their favorite snack on a hot summer day. Plus, making your own dessert will save you a lot of money.
Our family loves using our Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (below). We’ve used it for years and the ice cream is so simple and delicious. For vanilla ice cream, you just blend heavy cream, whole milk, sugar and vanilla, and then put in the ice cream maker for about 15 minutes. So good, and you can customize the ingredients however you wish to be as healthy as you want!
Athletic Events
The YMCA suggests bringing your whole family together for some athletic events. Many communities around the country will host healthy events benefiting charities as the weather gets nicer. These events may include a 5k, a bike, or even an obstacle course. By getting your whole family involved you get to spend time together and keep up with your fitness routines. These events rarely cost any money, and if they do they run on donations from friends and family. You may even find a swimming event, which will allow you to stay active and cool down on a hot summer day. Swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the U.S., and it’s definitely a must-do in the summertime.
Routine
Even though your children are going to be out of school for a few months, Clarks Condensed says it’s important to keep up with your regular routine. If your routine during the school year involves taking your children to the gym with you every week, don’t quit the habit once the summer arrives. The national childhood obesity rate currently sits at 18.5%, so continuing their healthy tasks throughout the summer will keep them out of that statistic’s way.
Keeping your kids busy this summer means more than just plopping them in front of your TV. Getting them out from behind the screen will keep them occupied and healthy. But, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Getting them involved in a summer charity race, keeping up with their yearly routine, and teaching them how to make healthy treats are all great ways to keep your child happy and healthy this summer.
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