With the onset of summer vacation, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep children active. Playing outside in the heat is not a good idea at this time, and using your mobile phone all day can also be detrimental to your health. These indoor activities and a proper diet can help keep your children healthy.

Summer vacations have begun in schools, but the intense heat and scorching sun have made it difficult for children to go out and play. As a result, they spend their days on mobile phones, TVs, and other gadgets, which can impact their physical and mental health. Child psychologist Dr. Yuvraj Pant explains how to keep children busy and stress-free at home through small activities...

As soon as the holidays begin, parents decide the daily routine of the children, based on which they spend the whole day. Due to not being able to go out in the increasing heat, when children start spending most of their time on mobile screens or other gadgets, it can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. In such a situation, children should be made to do such activities at home, which they enjoy and do not cause mental stress. You can feed them milk or curd mixed in it. It gets digested quickly and also keeps the stomach cool. The probiotics present in curd are beneficial for the digestive system of children.

How should indoor activities be?

While there are many creative activities you can do at home, here we're focusing on physical activities for children, so they can stay physically active. A healthy body will keep their minds happy.

Indoor games

Instead of sending children outside in the hot sun, engage them in indoor activities like jumping rope, dancing, or stretching. If there are children in neighboring homes, encourage them to gather indoors and play small games like carrom, ludo, chess, sudoku, snakes and ladders, dance, indoor bowling, treasure hunt, indoor basketball, and balloon volleyball. This will keep children excited and prevent boredom. Such simple games keep children's minds active and reduce stress.

Morning walk

Since the day will be sunny, wake your children up early in the morning and take them for a morning walk. They will get clean and fresh air. After returning home, have them do yoga, pranayama, or breathing exercises for 15 to 20 minutes. This will keep them calm throughout the day.

Cycling

In the evening, when the sun is dimming, take your children cycling in a nearby park or with their friends. This is an aerobic exercise that will help them sleep better at night. A good night's sleep will help them stay stress-free.

What should I feed and drink?

• During hot summer days, it's important to pay special attention to children's food and drink. Children often drink less water. If possible, instead of giving them plain water, give them ORS or lemon mixed in it.
• Buttermilk, mango panna, sattu sherbet, and watermelon juice can also be given during the day. This will keep them feeling energetic throughout the day.
• Seasonal fruits like mango, strawberries, melon, and bananas are among the most beneficial summer foods for children. You can also try mixing oats with bananas and milk or yogurt.
• It's easily digested and keeps the stomach cool. The probiotics in yogurt are beneficial for children's digestive systems.

Avoid these things

Avoid sending children outside during the intense sunlight between 12 noon and 4 pm. Children love junk food, but it's important to stay away from it these days. Eating chips, chocolate, patties, burgers, pasta, pizza, and other foods can cause stomach irritation in children. These foods are not easily

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