Children need vacations, not only to disconnect from the routine of the school year but also to spend more time with their family. It is very healthy for them to have some time each year free from obligations and demands, and with more flexibility.
Playing should always be their main activity. Encouraging them to engage in play on their own initiative will help express their feelings and stimulate their imagination. However, adults can also suggest ideas and assist them in carrying out their own plans.
With the arrival of the year-end holidays, it’s also common for children’s eating habits to undergo significant changes. Between celebrations, family gatherings, and more free time, kids often have access to less healthy foods and a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Some doctors warn that parents should pay attention to their children’s diet during the holidays, given the temptations of sugary and fatty foods that are hard to resist, often resulting in excessive calorie intake. Therefore, it’s important to consider some tips to protect them during these holidays:
Nutrition education: Teach children about the importance of a balanced diet and the effects of unhealthy foods on their well-being.
Proper hydration: Ensure children drink enough water, especially on hot days and during outdoor activities.
Encouraging physical activity: Promote outdoor play and activities that keep children moving, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
In addition to ensuring a balanced diet, disease prevention is crucial for children’s health during these holidays. It’s important to check their vaccination status, making sure they are up to date with all the vaccines appropriate for their age. Vaccination is an effective way to protect children from diseases that may arise due to changes in diet and environment.
It is also essential to teach children about the importance of good hygiene, such as washing their hands before eating and after playing. These practices, along with proper diet and vaccination, will help keep children healthy and active during the holidays, minimizing the risk of health complications.
Vacations undoubtedly have a positive emotional impact on children. They are happy, excited, and having fun. A change of scenery is always beneficial, and it helps create lasting, positive memories. After all, going on vacation is much more than swimming in a pool or at the beach—it’s primarily about spending quality time together.
