Summertime comes and schedules changes. For many kids and teens that means lots of time to play, cook and eat healthy. For others it means more time in front of the TV, computer, snacking and not being very active. For almost all kids now is a time to make some healthy choices. For parents, it is an opportunity to help your kids and teens see the options available to them.

For the kids and teens that are fortunate enough to go to camps during the day, they will have many opportunities to exercise and eat right. It is up to the parents to check with the camp counselors to make certain that the kids are engaged in the activities at camp. Playing video games and just hanging out is not why you send them there.

During the summer there are some basics to remember. In addition to drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day, you need extra water if you are going to be outside playing in the heat. Drink a glass of water for every 15 minutes you are outside in the summer running around. This is the time to double up on activity. Kids don’t have homework and they have the time to ride their bikes, take a walk, run around the block, play in the hose and sprinklers, or navigate the obstacle course you made in your house or the backyard. They have time to jump rope for 20 minutes outside or inside depending on the weather. This is also a good time to teach them to make low calorie snacks like Yogurt Pops,™ or Fruit Smoothies™.

Hope you got it! To have a successful summer with your kids and teens you need to make sure they, “Eat Right, Play Hard, and Are Happy.”

We wish you a very Happy Summer.