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HEALTHY KIDS ยท JULY 2018
THINGS THAT WILL MAKE
YOUR CHILD'S SUMMER
THE BEST ONE YET!
S
ummer 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!
TR AVELING
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.
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
9 HEALTHY MAGAZINE