Content provided in partnership with

easy summer fun

Southern Living, Jun 2006 by Mills, Suzanne Powell

Unplug and de-stress. These low-cost ideas will give your kids lots of exercise and fresh air.

Discover a world of good times for your kids in your own backyard. Experts agree that spending more time outdoors helps children build strong bones and muscles while also promoting healthy habits. And while they play, you might even enjoy a few quiet moments for yourself.

bye-bye boredom

"Young children are naturally active," says Connie Tyne, executive director of Cooper Wellness Program in Dallas. She adds that children can boost self-confidence by improving coordination. "The child who learns basic skills, such as throwing, catching, running, jumping, skipping, and hopping, between the ages of 2 and 6 will be ready for youth league soccer and T-ball teams in first grade." Exerting a lot of energy will stave off boredom, whereas sedentary activity leaves children feeling lethargic.

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden: Coolest room on the block: have a bedroom that's way drab and boring? Hang ...; Reuse, recycle, remodel: environmentally friendly materials and techniques ...; Keeping it simple: interior designer Michael Lee finds an overdesigned ...; House of the Year: this craftsman-inspired home is factory-built--proving ...; Dreaming of cabin life: smart ideas for small spaces, plus the hottest spots ...; More »

To keep kids ages 7 to 10 active. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends baseball, soccer, tennis, kickball, and golf, as well as skating, dancing, gymnastics, and riding a bike.

get creative

Entice the kids to get moving by finding innovative ways to play. For example, transform a day at the park or pool into an Olympic Games-style contest with land or swimming races and more. Let the kids make the medals or other prizes beforehand. Or enlist the help of other parents in your area to create a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Be sure to reward all the teams for the items that they find.

Encourage children to invent their own games-it will allow them to use their minds and their bodies. Whether it's a spiced-up version of kickball or a play performed in the backyard, children will feel good about putting their original ideas into action.

Don't forget the old favorites such as jumping rope, hide-and-seek, or sack races. They remain excellent ways for children to get the exercise they need.

downtime

Let the outdoors intrigue the kids even when they're ready for more restful activities. Reading can be just as relaxing when you sit under a shady tree as it is when you lie on the couch. Turn that hammock in the yard into a special reading place for children-and adults.

Even arts and crafts projects can be done alfresco. Simply spread out materials on a towel, and let the kids enjoy making something special while breathing fresh air. It also offers the added benefit of keeping the mess out of your house, which may be all the incentive you need to get the little ones out the door more often.

-SUZANNE POWELL MILLS

easy summer fun

Southern Living, Jun 2006 by Mills, Suzanne Powell

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Reference

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden

Most Popular Publications in Home & Garden