How to Encourage Good Summer Habits

Darling says when it comes to TV and movies, it’s important for parents to make screen time count—first, literally by putting on a timer. But second, Darling says, not all video is bad. “Eyewitness videos, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Discover, NOVA, Reading Rainbow—these are absolutely wonderful educational tools,” she says. Darling also suggests that parents find books that relate to the topic on a television show or movie and encourage children to read and explore the topic further in the book.

Summer reading is a good habit to get into at any age. Brown says summer presents an opportunity for parents to encourage children to read books they enjoy—books they pick out at the library or school media center. Reading just for the sheer pleasure of reading! “Sometimes required reading at school can be a real turn off,” she says. “I tell my patients I don’t care if it’s the comics section of the newspaper or Sports Illustrated—find something to read and stimulate their brains.”

Another suggestion of Brown’s is to encourage wise use of computer screen time. For example, kids should e-mail and Facebook—with supervision. “The lost art of writing and pen pals has been revived,” she says. “These may seem like a bad idea, but I think it really offers a way to improve a child’s communication skills in the 21st century.” She cautions, however, not to let FB and other social networking sites “suck children in.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours a day of screen time for kids—including time on the computer, iPad, iPod touch, etc.

Increased Snacking

Kids (and adults) are often drawn to the refrigerator when hanging out indoors during unstructured hours. Darling suggests parents temp children with healthy snack foods: popcorn balls, carrot sticks, nuts and raisins (maybe with a few M&Ms thrown in)—the idea is to keep healthy snack foods around for ready access.

Darling also encourages setting aside time for family baking. Trying out new recipes together, buying the groceries, preparing the food, decorating, etc. Children love to cook, and they feel inspired when they master a new skill in the kitchen.

She also suggests crafts as a way to keep kids entertained. Paint, fake fur, fake colorful feathers, yarn—the possibilities are endless when these kinds of craft materials are involved. “Skulpy and other bakeable clays allow kids to do really awesome projects,” she says. “You skupt, bake, then paint.” Knitting is another good summer project. Even if children do this while watching TV, they’re still learning a good skill!

Practice writing and drawing. Whether children can write full stories, a few sentences, just a few letters, or only draw pictures, writing is an excellent habit to get into on a daily basis. Kids can keep summer journals where they record their thoughts and feelings and experiences from the day—or maybe they draw pictures to represent what they saw or discovered. Some children might also be turned on by comic books. Providing the necessary materials and inspiration for children to create their own comic books can be a great way to spend time indoors or outdoors. “My youngest and his friends have spent months planning out their superhero comics,” Darling says. “Even though they’ve barely drawn anything, it’s been hours of entertainment!”

Trampoline Time

Trampolines are a summertime backyard favorite. Brown cautions that kids should jump one at a time. Multiple jumpers, she says, is a bad idea. “There is an increased risk of injury when more than one child is jumping,” Brown says.

What can the others doing while one is jumping? Darling reminds us that there are endless outdoor activities that provide excellent opportunities for children to explore their creativity, develop social skills, and get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. Collecting and painting rocks, playing a round of capture the flag, painting the playhouse, building a new doghouse, or creating a space or robot camp for friends.

And don’t forget about old-fashioned reading and writing outdoors. There’s nothing better than drinking a frozen watermelon slushy while reading or journaling in the shade.