Keeping Children Active in the Summer Holidays
As we approach the end of the school year, many parents will be looking forward to a well-earned break, but whilst time off from school is important for a child's wellbeing, it is equally important you keep your child active and healthy.
At present, child obesity is on the rise with 80 per cent of boys and 85 per cent of girls not meeting the minimum recommended daily activity levels. In fact, the problem of obesity is so great that one in three children leaving primary school is currently overweight or obese.
Newitts is encouraging parents to keep children active during the summer holidays. We sell a wide range of sporting equipment designed to make sport fun for all ages, but equally, there are many sports and outdoor activities that can be pursued without the need for any equipment.
Take a look below for Newitts' ideas on how to keep your kids active and healthy this summer:
Swimming
Swimming is a great form of exercise for all the family, and in recent years more open-air swimming pools and lidos are opening to the public during the summer months to take advantage of the warmer weather. Try to take your children swimming regularly during the holidays, it's not only a fun way to keep fit, it also teaches them a very important life skill.
Walking
Walking is one of the simplest ways to keep fit, and the best thing about it, is its free! Wherever you live, you should be able to find areas nearby which offer walking tracks. Most walks will state the distance and the level of difficulty, so if you have smaller children, it is well worth checking the route out first online, particularly if you require it to be buggy friendly.
"Child obesity is on the rise - 80% of boys and 85% of girls are not meeting the minimum recommended daily activity levels."
Cycling
If your kids have bikes, why not plan a cycle ride in the holidays? Take a picnic and make an afternoon of it. It's free, and if you're stuck for cycle paths in your local area, why not visit the local park where there will usually be open space for the kids to ride in.
Dancing
Not the most obvious form of exercise, but you're kids will love it! Download their favourite tunes, then invite the children's friends round for a boogie. You could even suggest a themed dance party providing children with the chance to dress in their favourite character, to help encourage the disco.
Climbing
Locate your nearest climbing wall and take the kids along. Most places require children to be five years old and above to take part. Alternatively, you could revert back to the simplest form of climbing and go and locate some strong enough trees in your local park!
Obstacle Courses
Most children love a challenge and the opportunity to be creative, so why not encourage them to build an obstacle course in the garden. Obstacle courses teach children a range of important skills as well as keeping them fit and active - you can even invent a prize for the best participant.
Garden Games
Why not invest in a few traditional garden games this summer such as boules, skittles or a typically British game of croquet? You can purchase small sets of garden games online for a minimal price which promise to keep you and your children occupied and active for the afternoon.
Football
Football is increasingly popular with girls and boys, and it not only keeps children fit, it serves as a great example of good team work. Encouraging your kids to play as part of a team teaches them vital disciplines that they can apply to all areas of their lives, and best of all, it will keep them fit and healthy too.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on how to keep children active during school holidays