“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
–Charles Bowden
Ah, summertime. The mere whisper of the word makes one feel nostalgic, vibrant, and alive. Summer days hold a sense of carefree abandon. Summertime feels like the time of the year when the world is ours to explore, a canvas on which we paint memories with laughter and sunshine.
Summer has officially begun and summer vacations are about to commence. During this time, children have a lot of free time. These days are innocent, a belief that summers would stretch on forever, and everything would always be alright. It is a time of simple pleasures, where happiness comes in the form of a shared kulfi, Nimbu Paani, mangoes, or a race down the street. Even the heat holds a certain charm, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a state of being. It’s about time for children to explore a world full of wonder and possibility.
Parents need to ensure that children don’t waste these vacations being couch potatoes.
Here are some Healthy tips for summer to keep in mind to make the summer vacation engaging and productive for children:
- Beat the heat, sip on repeat: It’s number one on the list of healthy tips for summer. Before your little ones set out on their summer adventures, it’s important to equip them with everything they require to beat the heat. Hydration is the only way they can survive in this heat.
The recommended daily intake of water for children is: for 4 to 8 years old: 5 cups, for 9 to 13 years old: 5 to 6 cups, for 14 to 18 years old: 6 to 8 cups.
You can add shakes, smoothies, and healthy homemade juices to your child’s diet. Coconut water should be consumed every day, it not only keeps the gut healthy but also helps detoxify your body by providing hydration and antioxidants. A glass of Buttermilk is perfect for beating the heat and adding to the diet of your younger one, it contains important vitamins and minerals such as Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, calcium, and phosphorus.
This is the time to help your kid develop healthy eating habits that are going to benefit them for the rest of their lives.
- Enjoy fresh, healthy greens this summer: The 2nd one on the list of healthy tips for summer is loading your plate with greens. During Summer there are various green options children can enjoy such as:
- Cucumbers have a high water content, perfect for summer days.
- Zucchini and Bell pepper can be added to salads, they also provide an alternative to the usual Roti-Sabzi.
- Beans can be included in salads or stir-fried for a twist.
- Okra/Ladyfinger: Who doesn’t love Bhindi Ki Sabzi? Okra can be paired with yogurt or curd when fried or roasted.
- Avocado helps to remove heat and toxins from the blood and is easy to digest.
- Leave a lasting impact. Organize a summer plantation drive: What is a better way of teaching your child the importance of planting trees and saving the planet, than to organize a plantation drive for them?
It is one of the most productive healthy tips for summer, which can keep your little one engaged during the entire vacation, as planting trees would require taking care of them and watering them every day. Teach your younger one the names of different plants, their importance, what kind of flowers grow on them, etc.
This can also be the perfect opportunity for you to connect and bond with your little one and spend some fun time together. When the plant grows, it will stand as a testament to your bond and the memories made.
- Don’t let learning take a break: Imagine a child years down the line, stumbling upon a dusty journal filled with childish scribbles and summer adventures. The faded ink will transform into a portal, transporting them back to a time of scraped knees, ice cream cones dripping down their hands, and the boundless energy of youth. They’ll relive the laughter shared with friends, the bond they had with their family when they were younger, and the innocence of childhood.
It is crucial for children to practice journaling from an early age, to not only develop a writing habit but also to learn how to express themselves, and to get clarity of thought. There is no better time to develop this healthy habit than the summer break.
- Yoga & meditation for a mindful summer break:Practicing Yoga and meditation is one of the best healthy tips for summer.
Summer mornings, typically associated with sleeping in and late starts, can be surprisingly magical for a different reason – a quiet time for children to connect with themselves through meditation.
Practicing meditation has nothing to do with achieving enlightenment, it can be a lifestyle for children as they grow up. Sitting comfortably, focusing on their breath, and simply observing their inner world can be a powerful tool for managing stress, improving focus, and fostering self-awareness.
Start with short, guided sessions, focusing on simple techniques like breath awareness, and encourage them to explore their senses.
The absence of the morning rush serves as a perfect opportunity for children to connect with themselves and look inward.
You can read more about the benefits of practicing yoga from an early age in our latest blog.
Grow a calmer mind this summer!
Summer always reminds us to hold onto that childlike sense of wonder as we navigate the complexities of adulthood. For even now, the taste of a cold gola or the sweet tang of nimbu paani can transport us back to those carefree days, a time when summer truly felt like the best time of the year.
Make this summer memorable for your little one and provide them an opportunity to learn and grow while living their best life by following the healthy tips for summer. Encourage their curiosity, nurture their creativity, and create experiences that will become cherished stories.
Let’s make it a summer they’ll never forget!
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