The summer holidays are just around the corner, and that means us parents are planning for six weeks of having our children at home. You need to think of ways to keep them occupied and ensure they don’t become too lazy. However, you also need to consider their health when making your arrangements. The last thing any parent wants is for their child to have to spend time in hospital. So, I’m going to make some suggestions today that should point you in the right direction. At the end of the day, most of the strategies you need to follow apply to both children and adults. You just need to make sure you put them into practice this summer.

Plan healthy meals in advance

The food your children consume will have a significant effect on their health. That is why you should try to avoid feeding them burgers and chips every night of the week. Instead, you should search online for recipes and plan your meals in advance.

You can then create a shopping list that will include only the best ingredients for your little ones. Avoid impulse purchases at the checkouts, and try not to deviate from your list. That way, you won’t end up coming home with bags full of chocolate and sweets. If you need advice on meal plans for children, you could always ask your doctor for assistance. People in that profession are in the best position to provide suggestions you can use. The basic rule of thumb? Your kids need to eat a lot of vegetables!

Encourage your kids to snack on fruit

All children enjoy snacking between meals. With that in mind, you need to look for healthy alternatives to their usual treats. The last thing you need is for them to damage their teeth with sweets. That would mean your kids might have to visit the dentist more often. So, it makes sense to encourage your children to snack on fruit as much as possible. Some of the best fruits include blueberries, strawberries, and apples. However, you should get whichever type they enjoy most. When all’s said and done, you won’t entice them away from chocolate with something they don’t like. So, ask your kids which fruits they want before you go shopping.

If you really can’t pry them away from chocolate then make your own healthy chocolate treats like this homemade vegan brownie above, made with cacao powder which is a great nutrient dense food.

Arrange days out in the fresh air

Getting out in the fresh air is going to have many benefits for your children. Firstly, it should give them some exercise, and that’s always a positive thing. Secondly, it will get them away from the fumes and pollution in the city. They’ll get to see some natural beauty, and that should assist with reducing stress and anxiety. With all those benefits in mind, you just need to search online for suitable locations. Look for places that are going to make them feel far away from society. There are some fantastic walking routes all over the UK just waiting to be discovered. If you want to plan something extra special, search for “coastal walks” using Google. You will find many great paths you can follow.

Look for local sports activities

You want your children to remain as active as possible during their summer break. That is the case, even if you have to spend a few days working. So, it makes sense to look for local sports teams and clubs in your hometown. Ask your child which sport they like most, and the use the internet to gather the relevant details. The best thing about sports is that there is also a social aspect. Your children might make lots of new friends who will keep them occupied during the summer holidays. So, make sure you arrange for them to attend as soon as possible. It means you get some time to relax, and they get lots of exercise.

Attend regular medical check-ups

If you’re worried about health issues, you should always make sure your kids attend doctor and dentist appointments. They will probably have to go for a check-up every few months. The best thing about that process is that doctors can spot symptoms before they’re too severe. That means they can provide treatments for illnesses before your child becomes unwell. Experts from Weldricks say you can use any prescriptions online these days. That will help to save time and money. You’ll also get to monitor your little one’s weight and growth. If nothing else, at least you’ll get peace of mind knowing your child has visited the doctor.

Keep them away from their computers

The last thing you want is for your children to spend the entire summer in their bedrooms. However, many of them will attempt to do that if you don’t stand in their way. That is because games consoles have become exceptionally popular in recent times. Some games take days or even weeks to complete. So, many young people choose to spend their free time staring at a TV screen. That is terrible when there is a beautiful world just outside their window. Try your best to pry your child away from their games as much as possible.

Go for long walks

You should aim to use your car less often during the holidays this year. Walking is one of the best execises for both children and adults. So, don’t drive to your local shops when they are only two miles away. You could walk that distance with your kids and take some time to enjoy the weather. People in the UK are experiencing a heat wave at the moment. Experts predict the same thing will happen all over the world during the next few weeks. So, make the most of the sunshine while it’s here. You can also arrange walks in the countryside as I already mentioned. You’ll encourage your kids to remain active, but you’ll also help to save the planet.

Buy lots of vitamins

Kids need vitamins to grow into healthy adults. In most instances, they don’t get the required nutrition from their standard diet. For that reason, it’s vital that you speak to their doctor about supplements. With a bit of luck, they will let you know which types of product you need to purchase. In most instances, children need to take extra Vitamin C and D. However; your child might have become deficient in any number of different areas. That is why you need the expert advice of a medical specialist.

You should now understand what you have to do this summer to keep your children healthy. While this guide was extensive, it didn’t cover everything. So, you still need to continue your research. The basic rule of thumb is that you just need to encourage your kids to go outside as much as possible. You also need to make sure they don’t spend six weeks eating sweets. If you do that, you’re on the right path.

*Collaboration Post