Tips For Summer With Children

For a healthy summer with growing children, it is important to remember, your child grows at an astonishing rate. These rapid changes mean they require a constant supply of good nutrients and regular movement, in order for healthy growth and development.

Three things that are critical to your child’s overall health and wellness include:

• Sleep: Most children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each night
• Nutrition: a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will support children’s bodies as they grow
• Exercise: important to maintain a healthy weight, but also plays a role in strengthening and developing growing bodies.

Kids need to be active

Ensuring your child gets regular movement and activity is important to both your child and to enjoying a summer with children. Not only will it help them to maintain a healthy weight, and promote good sleep, but it’s vital for their overall wellbeing and development.

Being active yourself is a great way to get your kids moving. Research from the Australian Sports Commission has found the more involved a parent is in children’s physical activity, the more likely the child will be active. So, try to choose outdoor activities for your kids that you can participate in as well.

Some examples of summer activities for kids include riding bikes, playing in the playground, or swimming and water play. While water activities can be tricky if your child has bladder or bowel control issues, Conni Kids Togglz reusable, washable swimming shorts offer the perfect solution for kids and parents alike.

 

Why nutrition is important

Your child’s nutritional needs will differ to yours. Children need a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals in order for them to grow and develop properly, and fuel for their bodies to support rapid growth, and physical activity. In particular they need:

• carbohydrates and fats – provide energy for growth
• protein – to build and repair muscles and other body tissues
• essential fatty acids – for brain development
• calcium – to develop strong bones
• iron – to support the rapidly expanding blood volume during growth

A diet focusing on the five food groups will ensure your child receives the nutritional intake necessary to support a growing, developing body. You should also refrain from giving your child foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and make water the drink of choice. It’s free from sugar and kilo-joules, and the fluoride in tap water helps develop strong teeth and bones.

If your child wets the bed overnight, this shouldn’t be a reason to withhold water during the day. Huggies Drynites provide discreet and absorbent protection for kids of all ages. A Dry Night Trainer may also help your child get out of the bed-wetting cycle.

 

What about fussy eaters?

Fussy eating in children is common, and ensuring children receive adequate nutrition while they grow is often a concern. Keep offering your child a wide range of healthy food. However, if you’re worried about their nutritional intake, consider supplementing their diet with Sustagen Kids Essentials. It contains carbohydrates, fats and protein along with essential vitamins and minerals, so you can be reassured that your child’s nutritional needs are being met.

Summer holidays provide the perfect opportunity to focus on your child’s health. There’s extra time for rest and play, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables at this time of the year, means little tummies can enjoy lots of yummy food, while simultaneously nourishing their bodies. Why not make these holidays happy and healthy?

Please note: The information supplied is general in nature. Please consult your medical practitioner for individual advice.

This article is sponsored by Independence Australia, a social enterprise that provides choices for people living with a disability or other personal need, enabling them to regain and retain their independence within a supportive community.

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