As the winter months are coming to an end, every school-aged child’s heart leaps with excitement with the anticipation of spring break! However, with no classes, no homework, and nothing to do, the spring break blues may ensue.
With an overabundance of social media, television, movies, and video games available, the majority of spring break time revolves heavily around screens. With the alarming increase in childhood obesity throughout North America, sedentary behaviours and indoor-centred lifestyles, now is the time to not only keep your kids busy over spring break, but also to start teaching and instilling healthy habits such as maintaining active lifestyles.
The 5-2-1-0 principle is an excellent way to get your kids started this spring break. Start with 5 or more fruit and vegetables every day, no more then 2 hours of screen time a day, at least 1 hour of activity, and 0 sugar-sweetened drinks. Make it a challenge! Get your kids to track their progress over the break, and then keep those healthy habits going throughout the rest of the year.
Depending on the weather that spring break might throw our way, indoor activities may be most appropriate. Local recreational centres offer affordable day camps running through spring break, typically for kids aged 3 – 12. Camps can range from a few hours to a full day with a variety of activities. Depending on your child’s interests, you can try skating, swimming, or gym-based games such as floor hockey and basketball, to fundamental sport skills training. For a single day’s fun, there are a multitude of indoor activities to keep your children moving – laser tag, trampoline parks, indoor climbing centres, and roller skating arenas.
If the weather permits, let the children loose outside. With parks, trails, hikes, outdoor courts for basketball and tennis to name a few, there are numerous outdoor activities available that encourage physical activity, and creativity! Visit a park outside your regular neighbourhood or encourage creative play during hikes.
Unstructured or free play within nature is also highly beneficial not only physically but cognitively, interpersonally, and socially as it decreases stress and promotes creativity. The benefits of encouraging your children to be active in nature and in life establish the foundation for their success of living a healthy lifestyle as an adult.
So, instead of time wasted inside, get out, get active, and beat the spring break blues this year!
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Laura Robinson, B. Kin.
Professional Training Coach
Legacy Manager
Innovative Fitness Abbotsford
