Summertime Rules
It's almost summertime, and everyone is ready to switch gears from the year-end craziness to the lazy days of summer. It's tempting for both kids and parents to fall into bad habits with the excuse of "Oh, why not? It's summer!" What are you going to do to encourage your teen to make good choices? Here are my seven tips for summer health:
1. Limit screen time!
Between emails, facebook, twitter, social media and television, your teen could spend most of his/her summer glued to a screen if you don't set a time daily limit. Not only does that discourage physical activity, it really increases your teen's social exposure. Set a rule that screen time should average less than 2 hours per day.
2. Five for life!
Pizzas, burgers, chips and dips become dietary staples far too easily in the summer, but kids of all ages will just as quickly wolf down a fruit platter. The recommendation of a minimum of 5 fruit or veggie servings per day does not change with the seasons, so keep melons, bananas, grapes, and strawberries on hand, and restock your supply every week! Make fruit smoothies from frozen fruit and yogurt to cool you down on a hot summer afternoon.
3. Know the hosts!
Either make your home the "hang out" or make sure you know the parents where your teens choose to gather with their friends. It is illegal for kids under the age of 21 to have alcohol, even in private residences, unless their parent or legal guardian is physically there with them. It's NOT okay for under-aged kids to drink just because they plan to stay home.
4. Choose designated drivers.
Kids all know they shouldn't drink and drive, but it's tough not to jump in the car with your friend who's had "just one beer" when he/she is your ride home. Ask for the name of the designated driver and arm your teen with some ready made "excuses" to call you for a ride if this situation crops up.
5. Hot chicks and cool dudes.
As the heat goes up, the amount of clothing goes down. From shirt-less guys and bikinis to short shorts and mid-drift tops, beautiful bodies are everywhere, while parental supervision is often decreases. Make sure your teen knows "the facts" and limit temptations by increasing your presence.
6. Be sun savvy.
Use sunscreens that have both chemical and physical barriers to block the dangerous UV radiation, and stay out of the sun during the heat of the day. Remember to reapply the sunscreen every few hours, especially if you are sweating or doing water sports.
7. Summer reading list.
Don't forget the joy of spending a lazy summer day with a good book. It's fine to include educational reading or school requirements, but make sure to include some pure leisure reading as well.