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HEALTHY KIDS ยท JULY 2018
THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR CHILD ' S SUMMER THE BEST ONE YET !
Summer is such an exciting time for kids . They ' re finally out of stuffy classrooms and getting to wake up whenever they please . Not only that , but kids have so much time in the summer to discover new interests and to do everything that they love to do . At the same time , it ' s important to make sure that , no matter how young or old they are , they ' re spending this time doing things that will better them and prepare them for their futures .
Here are a few things you can do with your children this summer to keep them happy , healthy and mindful .
SUMMER CAMP
Not only will going to a summer camp be fun and exciting for your kids because they get to explore specific interests , but it ' s an excellent opportunity for them to learn to socialize outside of the school setting . Plus , they ' ll be so happy and excited when they come home after doing what they love all day ! In addition , it ' s beneficial for kids to keep a balanced schedule in the summer and having somewhere to be every day is a way to do that .
BAKING AND COOKING
Teaching your kids how to make their own meals and treats is not only exciting for them , but it provides a lot of learning opportunities along the way . Measuring ingredients helps them with math through the use of counting and fractions as well as conversions and what quarts , gallons , pints and cups are . It will also help them develop a healthy relationship with food and where it comes from , as well as a sense of responsibility for what they ' ve made and what they eat . It is extremely rewarding !
TRAVELING
If a family vacation is in the budget but you ' re too afraid of how your little one will behave , go for it ! No matter how far or near , family getaways are great learning experiences for children as well as parents . Apart from being incredibly exciting , the effects that new places and experiences have on kids are priceless . Not only do they benefit from the excitement of discovering and absorbing new sights , sounds and smells , traveling also teaches kids to adapt to unique situations and surroundings that challenge them , which is a necessary ability for a successful future .
6 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
READ !
Some parents believe that it ' s best to give children a brain break in the summer so they can forget about school for a little while and choose to do what they please . However , it ' s essential that their study skills and vocabulary development don ' t stall in the process , so encourage your kids to read this summer ! Start by letting them pick their books , perhaps one with the most exciting cover or most enticing title and run from there . It ' s important , though , to discuss the book with them frequently and even read with them asking questions along the way . Before long , they will begin to develop healthy habits that enable a love for reading that will hopefully last them a lifetime .
EXERCISE THEIR CREATIVITY
This is so important for kids of all ages , as many have so much untapped creative potential that is just begging to come out with all the free time they have during the summer . To tap this well , do things such as create a " choose your own adventure " scavenger hunt or story for them to participate in , have them build their own LEGO or Play-Doh kingdoms , modify a recipe for a dish they ' ve already made , brainstorm ways to solve a community problem or even decorate cookies . Anything that will get their minds working is so important for their growth and development , and knowing how to create and pretend are two invaluable skills a child needs to build a successful future .
That ' s all you need to make your child ' s summer complete .
Oh , and don ' t forget plenty of popsicles and sunblock !
By Julianna Portillo