One of this summer’s challenges has been keeping my kids active. It is hard to send them outside to play when the Texas heat can reach triple digits before noon.
A
recent survey by the Water Quality and Health Council found, “
an overwhelming majority of parents (84%) said they would like to see their children spend more time swimming this summer.”
5 Ways to Keep Kids Active this Summer
1.
Talk about it: Discussing with your children the health consequences of spending too much time on electronic devices at the expense of more physical pursuits, such as swimming. If children know that sedentary activities have real health impacts, even for children, they may be more motivated to get moving.
2. Make a group decision: Have a family meeting to decide together what the right mix of time is for your family on electronic devices versus swimming and other outdoor activities. The key is setting goals as a family, and making kids part of the decision-making process.
3.
Enlist participation: Ask your children if they would swim more if you made a commitment to get them to a pool on a regular basis. You may be surprised at how readily your children will unplug if given the chance to swim.
4. Quality family time: Express your interest in spending face-to-face time with your children. Too much time on electronic devices can be socially isolating. Letting your children know that you are also willing to turn off the computer, smart phone and television to have fun with them is an important idea to share.
5. Find local resources: Locate the municipal or community pool in your area, find out the hours of operation and build in time to get there with your children.
Summer and swimming just makes sense for families. It is one way to assure that kids stay active and cool in the summer weather.
We don’t have a pool in our backyard so each summer we have a “pool tour”. There are 6 public pools and water parks within a 20 minute drive of our house. Each of my kids has a favorite {and so do I} so we take turns choosing which to visit. The public pools in our area are very reasonable even in the town next door where we have to claim non-resident status. The local water park has inexpensive season passes if we are planning on visiting more than 3 times.
Parents know that swimming can improve kid’s cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility while challenging coordination. It also helps manage weight and is a great
activity for children with asthma. I also like that kids are playing TOGETHER in the water and being social.
I have my bag of towels and sunscreen packed, do you want to meet at the pool?
A great big thank you to the Water Quality and Health Council for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are mine and I am completely serious about heading to the pool tomorrow! You can follow
@healthypools on twitter and
like them on FB for more information on keeping your family active.
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