Get active this summer by spending less time in front of the screen.
Once the summer hits, parents and caregivers alike struggle with the constant battle of children wanting to spend more time in front of the computer, T.V., or tablet. While banishing electronics altogether may not be feasible all summer long, there are steps to take which significantly reduce the screen time that your kids spend over summer.
Talk to Your Family
Explain to children that it’s important to sit less and move more to stay healthy. Health experts suggest no more than two hours of computer or television time per day – unless it’s related to work or homework. Children younger than two should be kept away from the T.V. entirely.
Set Screen Time Limits
Create a house rule that limits screen time to one or two hours every day. Limiting your screen time to no more than two hours per day will reinforce the idea that watching any more T.V. should be avoided. If your kids see you following your own rules, they’re more likely to do the same.
Be Active
It’s summertime – so get outdoors! Get kids excited about all of the things that they get to do, such as swimming, neighborhood soccer games, gardening, and hiking! There’s plenty to do in the great outdoors, so be sure to stimulate their brains while they’re out of school. Teach them about plants on your hike, do a scavenger hunt at the beach, or prep them for summer camp!
Get Moving During the Breaks
When you do allow screen time, challenge your children to get moving during the commercials. Set a competition for who can do the most push-ups, jumping jacks, or lunges in two minutes.
So that your child makes the most of the summer, set them up to attend a summer sports program. Check out Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley for programs that will suit your child, including basketball, skate, archery, soccer, and more! Contact us today to find out more information!