A smooth transition to summer break can be achieved through good planning and preparation. They’re a few simple things that can be done to help your children adjust to summer break without too much disruption in their routines.
1. Set a morning routine
Getting up at the same time every day, getting a good balanced breakfast and establishing the agenda for the day helps keep kids in a similar structure to their school day. The daily activities may be different every day, but the morning routine establishes the day.
2. Setting Screen Time Limits
Decide together has a family the amount of time per day allowed for screen time (which would include phones, tablets, computers, video games). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is no more than 2 hours per day and not all consecutively. It is also helpful if you give children other alternatives to spend their time.
3. Encouraging Physical Activity
The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Physical activity also helps with mental health it increases dopamine which is commonly called the feel-good hormone. Physical activity also keeps are bodies healthy and strong. It is just as important to engage the physical body as it is the mind.
4. Encouraging Learning Activities
Keeping their brains engaged is just as important as keeping their body in motion. Finding activities that encourage creativity and learning will keep them in a learning structure similar to school. There are camps, library programs, zoos and local museums that often offer academic experiences for children over the summer.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun and to create memories with your children over summer break. Below is a you tube video that also gives suggestions on how to make summer fun an engaging.