Parents, this is the week. The kids are breaking up for the summer holidays. You’ve been preparing for this for months, it’s fine. You knew it was going to happen and you’ve got all sorts of activities lined up to keep them entertained. Right?
If the answer to this question is ‘no’, then read on. Likewise if the answer is ‘yes’ then we will still be able to help. We’ve lined up some summer activities for you and the kids and the whole family to enjoy to keep you all healthy, happy and creating memories to last for years.
1. Get your hands dirty
Family gardening is a great way to get your kids to do chores for you and help you cross things off your to-do list. But mainly it can turn watering plants, weeding and planting seeds and bulbs into enjoyable family activities. Gardening is also believed to have a number of health benefits for physical, physiological and social health. [1]
Gardening can be surprisingly physical, which is great for the family to get exercise, but if you have a child or family member with type 1 diabetes who is prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) then make sure they keep an eye on their blood sugar levels to ensure the exercise doesn’t make them low.
2. Boogie nights
Embarrass your kids with your cutting-edge 80s dance moves to the classics, then let them control the playlist. Encouraging your kids to dance and have fun can be great. You can use a flashlight as a strobe light and turn the living room into a disco!
3. Notice boards
In this digital world we exist in notice boards aren’t as prolific as in yesteryear, but you can still find them in supermarkets, libraries and bus stations, as well as other public places. Often there will be adverts for local sports classes or activities, such as walking groups, cooking lessons or “taster” classes.
4, Parkrun
If you haven’t already had a leaflet through your door then you surely will soon. parkrun (it’s a lower case p, because branding), is a collection of GP surgery-led, socially-focused 5km running, walking and volunteering events. They take place every Saturday morning and all the family of all ages are welcome.
5. Learn a family sport
Determine one or two activities your children would be interested in learning and doing regularly, then try them together as a family. This could include budget activities such as running, football or cycling to pay-for activities such as skiing, tennis or golf lessons. These can help you bond, get exercise together and, most importantly, tire them out for an early bedtime.
6. Healthy food shopping
Taking children shopping can be a daunting experience. Before you know it your trolley is filled with sugary confectionary and all the items you added have been chucked on the floor. The solution? A healthy food shop. Specifically designate a healthy food shop by taking your children to vegetable markets or stores selling natural and organic food. This can help teach them about healthy eating without the distractions of junk food.
What are your top tips to entertain the kids during the summer holidays? Share your parenting pearls of wisdom in the comments section below.
References
[1] Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis – ScienceDirect. 2016. Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis – ScienceDirect. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301401?via%3Dihub. [Accessed 19 July 2019].
