There's no question that parents look forward to the end of school nearly as much as their children do. Parents who struggle with homework, behavior issues, or school performance are particularly relieved to have a break. It's tempting to let many rules go during the summer. I speak from experience as both a practitioner and a parent: the need for sound discipline and a healthy diet doesn't take a vacation. In fact, the summer vacation from school presents a wealth of opportunities to develop and reinforce new habits that will benefit everyone in the years to come.
Here are some simple tips for summer:
- No couch potatoes allowed! Minimize electronic media, particularly television and video games. Indoor activities such as puzzles, games, cooking, and reading develop the brain far better. NEVER allow a television in the bedroom of a child (any age).
- Don't equate fun with sugary, fatty, or chemical-laden "food." I use quotation marks because much of what is sold in grocery stores is so processed that it really isn't food. Fun should mean healthy enjoyment or excitement, or relaxing activities. Fun should be nurturing.
- Fun shouldn't start before good behavior does. Expect and reinforce better behavior and help with family chores. Do not bribe your child with theme park or pool trips in order to secure good behavior. Expect them to manage their rooms and belongings (age appropriate level, of course), which will result in a smoother transition to school.
- The brain doesn't need a vacation! The years from birth through early adulthood (through age 11, in particular) are critical for acquiring foundational structure and skills needed throughout life. Summer fun activities should engage the mind and challenge it, as well as reinforce skills and knowledge acquired earlier. History and museum trips can help to accomplish this.
- Eliminate fast and junk food. If you've used the excuse that you're too busy during the school year to stop the fast food habit, you need to slow down enough during the summer to build healthy bodies and healthy habits. Warning: ice pops and snow cones are particularly dangerous-they're loaded with chemical colors and flavors.
- Know more about what you're eating. Read labels, particularly on those pretty beverage bottles that appear healthy. Don't drink anything with high fructose corn syrup (can damage the liver and lead to obesity). Beware of the term "natural and artificial flavors": it's often used to obscure the addition of chemicals that you or your child could be sensitive to.
- Have fresh fruits and vegetables every day. The best fruits and vegetables are often available locally during the midsummer weeks. Use this opportunity to train the family's taste buds for fresh foods. When you're traveling, or can't get enough each day, use a high quality supplement that offers similar nutrients.