Fun in the Sun

July 2020 Nutrition Newsletter

Summer is the perfect time to keep your child(ren) active by having some fun in the sun. Being active is essential for developing children’s motor skills, and it also helps set the stage for a more active lifestyle later in their life.

The first step to helping get your child(ren) to enjoy more outdoor time is to limit their screen time. According to a recent survey conducted by the YMCA, 50% of parents surveyed said that technological distractions (cell phones, tablets, television) prevent their kids from engaging in healthy behaviors. It is recommended for parents to limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day. However, if your child is anything like mine, limiting screen time can be harder said than done. It helps to create a schedule and stick to it as much as you can. Instead of keeping your child(ren) busy with a screen, you can try to keep them busy with other activities such as playing fun outdoor games or doing some crafts. Although, even with using a schedule, some days, your child(ren) may use more screen time, and that is okay as well.

The next step is to choose to be active with your child(ren). Physical activity is not only important for your child(ren) and their development, but it is also very important for your health as well. Another great thing about playing outside is that outdoor entertainment doesn’t break the bank. You can visit National Parks to become one with nature on a fun hike. You can build an obstacle course in your backyard for some fun, friendly competition with your family. Also, you can make it a habit to start taking a family walk every day after dinner.

For more ideas on fun in the sun activities, reference the quick tip section.

QUICK TIPS:

• Visit Ijams Nature Center or the Great Smokey Mountains National Park
• Visit different walking trails in Knoxville
• Create fun scavenger hunts for your family to participate in either on hikes or in your own backyard
• Play soccer, kickball, basketball, or badminton
• Pass ball
• Have a water balloon fight or water balloon toss
• Play in the water hose
• Break out the chalk and draw pictures or a hopscotch board
• Visit kidsbowlfree.com to sign your kid(s) up for free bowling passes for a fun activity to use on rainy days