Weekly Healthy Advice From VÄXA

Six Simple Steps to Summer Happiness

Looking for ways to keep the stress at a minimum while squeezing as much fun and quality time as possible into your children's summer break? Here are some simple tips for keeping your kids happy and occupied while theyÂ’re home from school this summer.

1. Create a routine without one, your children can easily become bored. Have your kids get out of bed by a certain time each morning, and give them a list of items to accomplish each day. Allow your children to participate in forming the list. In fact, this list of summertime goals can help your kids stay both academically and physically fit. This simple project can also help your child develop a healthy habit of setting and accomplishing goals.
2. Set up a good reward system for accomplishing goals and finishing chores. Offer healthy, enriching rewards, like trips to the local pool or zoo, or a sleepover with friends.
3. Read! Find out if your child's school offers a summer reading list for your child's skill level. Studies show that reading not only enriches children's imagination, it also boosts their language comprehension and writing skills.
4. Visit the library. Not only are trips to the library something to look forward to each week, they also provide free entertainment. Go there to load up on books, videos and music CDs all for free! Many libraries also offer free or low-cost children's programming.
5. Keep it simple. If saving up for your big vacation puts too much stress on your budget and your family, consider skipping it. Most children love time alone with Mom or Dad. Try taking an afternoon completely off from work. Turn off your cell, don't check your emails and just spend some time with the kids doing what they want to do. Kick a ball around the back yard. Go for a family bike ride. Visit the local museum. Make a memory.
6. Remember to take care of yourself. Find ways to unwind. If you are relaxed and happy, your kids are more likely to be relaxed and happy.