Busy Children and Summer Vacation
By Rachel Shouse
Getting used to having your children home during their summer vacation can be rather difficult. It's hard trying to complete your tasks for the day when your kids are needing or wanting your attention. In order to avoid some extra, and unnecessary, dad/mom guilt this summer, try creating new habits and routines for your family. Making healthy lunches, getting your kids outside, and getting creative to keep your kids busy are great stepping stones to a fun and stress-free summer.
Get Fun With Food
It's difficult making some kids eat. I have four children. Two girls and two boys. My girls are amazing. My oldest daughter would eat strawberries for dessert. My youngest daughter throws zero fits over eating meat. My boys, on the other hand, are stubborn. They give my husband and I grief at almost every dinner.
We've found that getting our kids involved in planning, cooking, and serving our meals helps reduce the fits and arguments. Getting your children involved in meal planning gives them options which reduces power struggles. Having them help cook the meal gives them a sense of pride and are more likely to try it. Teaching your children to serve others is another great lesson. Life isn't always about us and we should think of others, even at dinners.
Talk to Your Children About Exercise
Some kids like to get out and burn some energy, while others are happier on the couch. You very likely have children of all temperaments and preferences. While your couch potato may not want to get up and move, it's important that you talk to them about this. Sitting down and having an open conversation about playing, working out, etc., does more than you may think.
During this conversation, be sure to listen to your child. You may find that while they don't like running around on the playground, they might love to ride their bike, roller skate, swim, or some other physical activity. Getting their opinion and giving them options helps eliminate some of the battles.
Creative Ideas for Active Children
Keeping busy children occupied is a task to say the least. In order to reduce the stress, here are some great ways to get your kids out of your hair for a bit.
Blanket time - Set a timer for a feasible amount of time, per your children's age. For this amount of time, your child needs to stay on a blanket and play with selected toys or devices.
Sticker art - Break out all of those stickers that you're afraid to let your children have. In your living room, give your children a piece of cardstock paper, as it's more sturdy, and let them put stickers all over it. When you're done, hang it on the fridge.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dawsonville, Ga.