What Kids Need This Summer

By Editorial Staff

If you struggle to instill healthy habits in your children during the school year, get ready for the summer months, because it won't be any easier. In fact, new research suggests that during the summer, younger children (ages 9-10) not only spend nearly 40% more time on screens (smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions), but also tend to be less active and eat more junk food.

In the study, children wore accelerometers and reported activities, while parents reported child diet. The study spanned two years and covered school holidays and summer vacations. Children spent 12 minutes less per day participating in moderate- to vigorous physical activity (and 27 more minutes being sedentary – essentially sitting or lying down) during summer vs. the school year. They also had lower diet quality in the summer months vs. the school year. One of the big health impacts of these habits, according to the researchers: added weight gain.

Fortunately, you can help your kids (particularly younger kids who can't develop structure on their own) stay healthy during the summer simply by helping them maintain the structure they're accustomed to during the school year. For example, putting a daily / weekly schedule on the blackboard or fridge can help your kids avoid spending all day "doing nothing." You can include meal times, activity times and "no screen" times, for starters. Here are some other great ideas.

Summer should be fun, but fun doesn't mean doing nothing; and it doesn't mean abandoning structure. As you can see from the results of this study (published in Pediatric Obesity), if you leave your children to "do their own thing" this summer, you'll give them a license to move less, stare at screens more and compromise the healthy eating habits you've taught all year.