How to Keep Kids Healthy on Spring Break
By Genevieve Cunningham
It's almost spring break, which means very little for some people and a great deal to others. For some, it's nothing more than another week at work. But if you have kids, it's a time when keeping your kids entertained becomes a serious chore. And even worse than keeping them entertained is the idea of keeping them healthy. For most kids, spring break is a time to sleep in, eat junk food, and watch TV all day. It's relaxation time! But should you let them? Or should health be a priority over their break? In all honesty, it's probably important to do a little of both. If you'd like to keep your kids healthy over the break, take a look at these tips to help you do it.
Let Them Rest
This doesn't mean that they should sleep until noon or never change out of their pajamas all week long. But chances are good that your children are actually a little sleep deprived. Most kids don't get enough sleep and are under way too much stress. Allowing them to catch up on some sleep may actually be in their best interest. How to keep it healthy? Set some boundaries. Once they get up for the day, it's probably best if they get active.
Limit Screen Time
Yes, they'll complain, but it will be better if they're not spending all day every day on some sort of screen. Give them time for video games and Netflix, but try not to let it be one big binge week. Encourage them to go out, visit friends, play outdoors, or even give them a list of chores. It's OK if they don't like it, it'll be for their own good and their own health in the long run.
Encourage Natural Movement
Nobody wants their entire spring break scheduled down to the last second, but keeping your kids active matters. So how can you do this? Try to encourage some natural movement. Get outdoors as a family. Go for walks or go to the park. Invite people over for play time if your kids are young. Natural, free movement is not only better for them in the long run, but it makes it more likely that they'll actually do it.
Keeping kids healthy can certainly seem like a chore. And while kids certainly have minds of their own, especially as they get older, there are things that you can do to keep them moving in the right direction. Use these tips over spring break, and help your kids stay well all through the spring.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Carbon, Ill.