Spring Break....Have fun, Stay active, Be healthy

Spring Break is here… excitement reigns, but for many parents, the reaction might be more mixed.

Maybe Spring Break means a reprieve from typical busy week of homework and shuttling between school and activities.  For non-vacationing families—for parents who will clock in at work during Spring Break—kids’ time off can present challenges about how to keep them active, safe, and having fun.

Fear not parents… opportunities abound.  Here are a few ideas:

• · Organize a neighborhood soccer, basketball, or baseball game
• · Catch a movie, or have a “movie night” at your home
• · Explore an area park or hiking trail you’ve never visited
• · Get a jump on Earth Day… invite friends to help clean up a nearby park, then have a picnic there
• · Volunteer at a local charity or help your child organize their own community service project
• · Check out a local historic site or building
• · Plan a meal or barbecue, shop for groceries, and prepare the food together.  Make it a family dinner or    invite the neighbors
• · Head to the mountain to sled, ski, or snowboard
• · Look for fun craft ideas you can do at home

How can you ensure a fun and safe Spring Break for your kids amid your busy workweek?  Consider connecting with the parents of your child’s friends and share responsibilities for dropping off and picking up kids from activities.  If possible, also consider taking turns taking one day off of work during the week and “chaperoning” a group of kids.  It will help spread the carpooling duties, add a little fun to your week, and help you better connect with other parents and your child’s friends.

Whether it’s sports, spending time outdoors, volunteering, or other interests, busy kids have great opportunities to learn and grow.  They are less likely to get involved in risky behaviors too.  Research backs this up.  The more activities kids are involved with, the less likely they are to use alcohol and other drugs as they get older.

And remember:  keeping kids busy doesn’t have to mean spendy… the value of staying busy is effective regardless of whether an activity carries a price tag.  Many activities have low or now cost, such as volunteering,  participating in a church youth group or helping organize a neighborhood movie or book review club.