When your children are home for summer break, you want to fill your days together with vacations, parks, and other fun adventures. However, it’s also essential to keep children healthy during these months. For example, children get a different physical exercise than during physical education. Here are some tips for your kid’s care this summer.

Watch the AC

During heat waves, it can be tempting to run the air conditioning all day, every day. However, this isn’t the best idea when you have young kids in the house. Younger children get colds more often than adults. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, children catch between six and eight colds each year on average. They can also experience a wide range of symptoms due to the fluctuating temperatures of extreme hot and cold.

Limit Screen Time

An essential part of kids’ care is not letting them hang out in front of the television all day. While your kids may want to play video games for hours, you should limit screen time to encourage children to be active. Take them outside to play, encourage art projects, and read with them to ensure they have plenty of other things to do.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for everyone on hot days. Your body sweats more, leading to potential dehydration. Children typically become dehydrated faster than adults. When leaving the house, take bottles of water with you. Another essential part of kids care is ensuring children drink healthy drinks, like water, instead of sugary substitutes.

Healthy Snacks

Many children eat more during the summer because the kitchen is just a few steps away. While it’s okay to let children eat more or even snack throughout the day, parents and caregivers must focus on what their children are eating. Provide plenty of healthy snacks, such as fruit, vegetables, carrot sticks, and pretzel sticks, instead of junk food to encourage healthy eating habits.

Air Quality

It’s essential to be mindful of areas with poor air quality while the children are out having fun. Poor air quality can wreak havoc on children, so parents must pay special attention to the news and EPA warnings. Heading out of town to go to the park on days the air quality is concerning is a great idea.

With the tips above, you’re ready to help your kids stay healthy while they’re home for the summer. Check out the rest of the site for more tips and tricks. If you’re in need of a high-quality pediatrician, contact our team at Pediatrix today!

Posted 8/8/23