A Guide to Keeping Your Child Healthy & Active During School Breaks
School breaks offer children a much-needed pause from their academic routines, providing ample time for rest, play, and exploration. However, changes in daily schedules and increased social activities make children more likely to be exposed to unhealthy habits, including increased screen time and poor dietary choices. Thus, it is important for parents to set boundaries and support their physical and mental well-being during school breaks.
Here are some proactive steps to help your children make the most of their time off, enjoying fun activities while also safeguarding them from preventable illness.
Establish a Routine & Maintain a Balanced Diet
While the school break offers a break from rigid schedules, maintaining a routine can help provide structure and stability for your child. Set regular times for meals, physical activities, and bedtime. A consistent sleep schedule is essential, as adequate rest is vital for growth, cognitive function, and immune health.
Additionally, the school vacation often leads to the increased consumption of sugary treats. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for your child’s health. Ensure they eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These nutrient-rich foods support their immune system, provide sustained energy, and contribute to overall well-being.
Adequate hydration plays a vital role in your child’s overall well-being. Proper hydration supports your child’s growing body and helps maintain optimal energy levels. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can also prevent energy crashes and dental issues. Make water their go-to beverage choice and consider carrying a reusable water bottle to ensure your child has access to hydration whenever needed.
Keeping their Bodies and Minds Active
Keeping your child mentally and physically active is essential for their overall health and well-being. With more free time available, it’s crucial to establish reasonable limits and encourage a healthy balance between screen activities and physical exercise or outdoor play. While some screen time can be educational and entertaining for children, excessive sedentary behaviour in front of screens may lead to potential health issues. Moderation is key to fostering a well-rounded lifestyle that nurtures both mental and physical development.
Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, through fun activities like:
- Family bike rides or hikes
- Swimming at a local pool or beach
- Sports camps or recreational leagues
Setting aside time for your child to engage in educational activities that challenge their mind, such as reading, arts and crafts, or playing board games, is also good. These activities stimulate creativity and intellectual development, providing a break from digital entertainment.
Protect Against Germs and Prevent Illness
Staying healthy means more than just eating right and exercising. Consider getting a flu shot to shield your children from preventable illnesses like the flu. While flu symptoms may seem like a bad cold at first, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death in some cases. Flu Vaccination is the best line of defence.
Here are some benefits of getting a flu vaccination during the school break:
- Bolster their immune system, reducing the risk of contracting the influenza virus.
- Lower the risk of them falling ill and ensure that your holiday plans go smoothly.
- Preventing the spread and overall transmission of the flu to other family members.
Good hygiene practices are also essential for preventing the spread of germs and keeping your child healthy. Remind them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after playing outside.
School break is a wonderful time for children to relax, have fun, and explore new activities. With a balanced mix of activity, nutrition, preventive care, and mental stimulation, your children can have a fun, healthy, and stress-free school break!
