We’re smack dab in the dog days of summer — an especially challenging time for parents of school-age children.
Keeping them occupied.
Keeping them on a schedule.
Keeping them active, safe — and off their screens.
All of the above (and more) often require some extra effort, knowledge and planning for parents.
And, of course, there are different priorities based on the kids’ different age ranges.
Pediatrician Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine, president of Palm Beach Pediatrics, counsels parents on these issues every summer.
We asked her to provide some of the strategies she gives the parents of her patients.
Should you ditch kids’ schedules, routines over summer?
“They always ask about keeping their children and teens on routines because it’s so important in maintaining physical and mental health,” said Fox-Levine.
Because parents often are working throughout the summer months, they can somewhat maintain routines by having their kids in some form of daycare or camps.
For parents who can’t afford to pay for these programs (especially if they have more than one child), local municipalities as well as the county often have free or reduced-price activities for kids.
“Sometimes it just takes a little online research,” said Fox-Levine.
However, even if the kids are not in a structured program, Fox-Levine said “it’s vital that they continue getting physical activity, continue eating healthfully and continue on a regular sleeping schedule. We often see that by the end of the summer, the depression screening questions that we ask at each visit are more significant in teens than they were at the start of summer due to disruption in these routines.”
Children have higher dehydration risk than adults
“We recommend kids stay indoors during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When outside, swimming is a great way for kids of all ages to stay cool,” noted Fox-Levine.
If your kids are going to be running around sweating, they should do it either early in the morning or during dusk and early evening. Because of their size and the amount of sweat they can lose, kids are at higher risk than adults for dehydration.
Ensuring they stay hydrated while outside is so important, so model that behavior by having them carry water bottles just like you do. Harp on them the importance of drinking water constantly while outside — and not just when they’re thirsty.
We also want them to understand the importance of wearing sunscreen at all times on all exposed skin.
“Dermatologists recommend they wear broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF factor of 30,” said Fox-Levine. “Also, it needs to be reapplied often and liberally after the kids sweat and/or swim in pools or the ocean.”
Importance of limiting children’s use of digital devices
Limiting screen time during the summer is also key, said Fox-Levine.
“Unfortunately, with the extra time, kids can fall into the habit of watching TV all day, being on their phones, computers and tablets constantly and/or playing video games all day and all night,” she explained. “That’s why I also recommend for parents whose kids are using social media to create a plan that you support and maintain.”
This means creating a limit on the amount of time on social media, as well as no usage of it during certain times or past a certain time of night. Parents need to be especially vigilant about device usage during the summer, stressed Fox-Levine.
Preventing learning loss over the summer
“Research shows children can lose up to one month of education if not continuing to learn throughout the summer,” said Fox-Levine. “To combat this, I recommend school-aged children continue to read a book for at least 30 minutes every day. And some math workbooks can actually be fun for kids to use. In addition, puzzle books help keep young brains working during the time when they’re not in class.”
For older kids and teens, she suggested parents help them find an interesting topic to research. For instance, if they’re into the outdoors, they can plant a garden and learn about different plants and the environment. If they’re into food or are picky eaters, plan a menu, learn about the nutritional content of foods and understand why different food groups are important. If they like history, do a scavenger hunt in nearby historic areas. Or give them arts and crafts projects so they continue to build their fine motor skills.
Eating habits and family connections
During the summer months it’s also important to maintain certain familial habits.
Fox-Levine stressed the importance of the sanctity of family mealtimes.
Kids, no matter their age, should not be allowed to eat meals or snack in their bedrooms.
Likewise, mindless snacking in front of the computer should also be discouraged. Rather, she said, you want to “teach your kids to eat intuitively — that is, when they’re hungry — and to stop when they’re full.”
In addition, whenever possible the family should sit down to eat together with no distractions.
“Make it a rule — no TV or devices of any kind at the dinner table,” recommended Fox-Levine. “That includes the parents’ cellphones too. Make family dinner a sacred time when you all reconnect with each other.”
Fox-Levine believes that with a little firm but loving guidance from their parents, children and teens can make wonderful summer vacation memories that last a lifetime.
“Traditionally, summer is a time when life slows down a little for all of us,” she said. “Let your kids enjoy their time off from school while also helping them develop new life skills that will serve them well in the years to come.”
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