Family Fun Month: Milking August for All It’s Worth
By Sara Butler
I know, you’re looking at that headline and asking yourself, “Isn’t every month family fun month?” Of course, it is -- but August is super special family fun month that also happens to coincide with many kids returning to school, which is definitely fun for parents -- the kids…not so much.
In celebration of an entire month of family fun, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want to inspire you to have fun and be healthy together. Here are a few activities you can do to milk the fun out of the last days of summer together.
Check Out the Farmers Market
Most cities and towns host farmers markets each week to highlight locally grown and in-season produce. You can explore the selections to find things you simply can’t find at your supermarket. Plus, your children learn healthy (and unhealthy) habits from you, so teaching them about where food comes from and how to eat it is important. Let them pick out one new thing you can all try after each visit; you can also get them involved with cooking at home too.
Take a Trip
You don’t have to take your kids to Walt Disney World every summer to be a good parent, but you can take them on fun day trips to help alleviate their boredom (and save your nerves from the constant chants of “I’m bored” you’ve been hearing all summer while you’re at it).
Look at a map together (and teach your kids how to read a map like you did in life before GPS) and pinpoint a neighboring town or state park to explore. You can go for a hike, take a swim, or find a new playground to investigate. This can help to provide your kids with a little change of scenery and get you all outside to get active together.
Go Bowling
Bowling is a great idea for a rainy day. Kids love knocking things down (and tossing heavy objects) and bowling is actually pretty great exercise. Plus, strapping used shoes to your feet helps to build character.
Since bowling alleys seem to have not changed since roughly 1978, it’s also a good way to teach your kids about history. You can explain to them that yes, honey -- burnt orange and avocado green really do complement one another.
Have a Dance Party
When was the last time you met a kid who didn’t like to dance? Kids love it, so host a disco night at your house. Move all the furniture in the room aside, create a playlist with your favorite dance tunes, and give your kids a flashlight they can take turns using as a strobe after the lights are turned off. You may be surprised how long they’ll dance and how much fun you all have together. And if the lights are out, no one can really see how bad your dance moves really are. Feel free to do the cabbage patch to your heart’s content.
You know your family best and understand the best ways to get them up and get them active. Remember, you’ll all benefit from getting active and eating better together. Plus, wearing out the kids can get them in bed earlier and that’s the time of the day all parents really look forward to.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.