Summer offers many opportunities for children to go outside and play. However, it’s important to remember the risks of playing out in the sun.
Water in winter?
People might think that water consumption isn’t as important over the winter, but dehydration can occur year round, even in the cold Canadian climate. Here are some important tips on staying hydrated over the winter months, as well as some tricks to put some colourful splash into your winter water.
Why not make the holiday season an active holiday!
Your kids are on vacation over two weeks and already you don’t know how you’re going to keep them busy? Do not worry! We have some ideas for how to relieve boredom and keep your little ones active:
Trick or Treating @ Home
Trick or treating with a preschooler can be difficult. The weather may turn cold, October could welcome several inches of snow, and a late night for little ones can cause meltdowns. Not to mention the large amount of sugar children receive and having to dodge the many excited older children on the street; trick or treating on Halloween can quickly go from fun to done. Don’t stress! Below is a list of preschool friendly alternatives to traditional trick or treating:
Playing in the rain
With Canada’s warmest season right on our doorsteps comes more rainy days to take advantage of. Young children can easily grow tired of being required to stay inside all day when it is raining outside. Why not try some activities outside in the rain?
Making Meal Preparation a Family Affair!
Nutrition Month may be over but we are always thinking of how to incorporate new ideas into our daily routines. Looking back at March we thought we would highlight some of the great ideas we came across! This year’s theme was ‘Eating 9 to 5’ and was geared towards helping Canadians eat healthier while at work or school.
Surviving and Thriving the Holiday Season
During the holidays, routine can become a less important part of our lives! With visiting family and friends, we tend to eat more. We don’t always know how to keep the children busy. Here are a few ideas to stay active and maintain healthy eating habits over the holidays:
Active Video Games
Active video games are often thought to be an easy way to move around while having fun with your family or friends. Some people think that they are a good solution for children who do not get enough physical activity.
Active Household Tasks!
According to the Canadian Physical Activities Guidelines, children from birth to 4 years of age should get at least 180 minutes of physical activity per day, at any intensity. Children aged 5 to 11 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.
Active Transportation
For many people, September is synonymous with back-to-school activities and a return to one’s pre-summer routine. For others, it signifies a return to the joys of active transport methods and the pleasure that comes with going to school or work by foot, bicycle or rollerblades.
Sedentary Behaviour & Screen Time
According to the Active Healthy Kids Canada 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 4 spend 5.8 hours a day being sedentary. This number increases to 7.6 hours a day for the 5- to 11- year-old age bracket.
Reading Food Packaging
The information on foods’ packaging can help you make healthy choices in the grocery store. Here are some tips to help you understand the information listed on grocery items.