Summertime is here! Schools and colleges are out, the weather is warm, and the pools are open. It is a season full of energy and freedom where the nights are long and the possibilities are endless.

With endless possibilities, often times, it can create a sense of pressure to provide entertainment and creative activities for the children and teens in your life. I’m here to tell you to keep it simple. Give yourself grace and allow for flexibility within the days. Focus on four key summertime activities to give the kids and teens in your life a boost this summer: sleep, exercise, read for fun, and make memories.

For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended daily goals of at least nine hours of sleep, one hour of exercise, and a limit of two hours of screen time for entertainment. Why not focus on establishing a great routine filled with solid sleep and dedicated time each day to exercise? Whether that exercise means going to the park to run and climb on the jungle gym, creating an obstacle course in the backyard, doing yoga inside, or dancing to your favorite playlist... do what feels good that day. Not only will this create solid habits, but both are key parts of healthy child development.

Too often, as educators and parents, we focus primarily on the academic performance for the kids and teens in our lives. During summertime, give yourself permission to embrace the fun. Make memories and read for entertainment. Go to your local library and read magazines, grab some audiobooks, play in the children’s area, or get a library card to take home a variety of books to read together. Alternatively, take a look around your neighborhood and see what ways your kids or teens could serve their community. Witness their minds start to broaden and curiosity begin to spark all while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Let’s be honest though, screentime is likely going to be a part of your summer days - it’s the world we live in. Hop onto ClassOrbit and have the kids or teens watch educational videos and engage with our interactive activities. That way, you know it is a safe platform for them to explore, it is ad-free, and it is educational.

Remember, keep the focus simple this summer - sleep, exercise, read for fun, and make memories. Prepare for the next school year by being present this summer and establishing fundamental habits that will set them up for success in the future.