Fight the Summer Slump, Fight Childhood Obesity

While you might think that most kids spend their summer vacations playing outside, running around the neighborhood, and swimming until their fingers look like raisins you are misinformed. This active lifestyle is becoming one of the past and summer vacation is now a time for children fall into the summer slump.

Last year, the American Journal of Public Health published a study suggesting that the body mass indices (BMIs) of kindergartners and first graders increased at two to three times the rate during the summer as they did during the regular school year. The lack of the structured nature of the school day, which includes scheduled meals, snacks and periods of physical activity, might be to blame.

Children at home during summer break have continuous access to food and are less likely to get consistent exercise each day. Some kids are left unsupervised, leaving many opportunities to access snack foods. Children may even eat more because they are bored.

Don't let your children fall into a summer slump. Keep them active and on an eating plan or schedule. If you are a stay at home parent offer fun physical challenges or activities throughout the week. Offer 5 small healthy meals: breakfast, a mid morning snack (if they are hungry), lunch, an afternoon snack (again if they are hungry), then dinner.

By keeping your kids belly's full, with good-for-you-stuff, they will never be tugging at you complaining that they are hungry. If you are not a stay at home parent or have a caregiver because your kids are old enough to stay home alone, provide a plan for them to follow. Sit down with your child and explain why it's important to eat healthy. Provide them to with healthy snack choices, like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or granola bars, and consider enrolling them in a summer day camp to keep them active.

With your help your child will not fall into a summer daze of inactivity and junk food. Providing a daily schedule will help manage their day and their appetite. Structured eating habits and activities will keep your kids moving, and that is just what summer is meant for. Encouragement is key, so make a plan and stick to it!