Healthy And Happy Summer Holiday Tips For Our Young People In Cork
As the long summer holidays begin, we thought it would be helpful to come up with some ideas and tips to help ensure that your kids and adolescents enjoy a happy and healthy summer holiday in 2017.
Keeping Our Young People Happy And Healthy In Cork This Summer
May 2017 has been a busy month in Cork for initiatives to raise awareness of mental health issues in our teens and young people.
Munster rugby star Simon Zebo is swapping drop goals for dropping beats by giving his backing to a rap track by Cork teenagers to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst teens. The music track is an initiative by the Mayfield Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force Project and is motivated by the group’s concerns about the rates of teenage bullying, anxiety, depression and suicide. You can read more about the Reach Out Speak Out music track by Cork teenagers on the Irish Examiner website.
May also saw the Scartleigh National School in Saleen hold a very successful wellbeing week which included a series of activities for pupils, both physical and psychological. The activities involved building healthy habits and skills amongst our young people to help themselves stay healthy and happy. Activities included mindfulness exercises, reading whilst out in the sun on Monday morning, participation in basketball, yoga and dance classes, swimming for PE, reduced written homework and SPHE activities.
Top Tips For Healthy School Holidays This Summer In Cork
Summer Holiday Healthy Eating
If you’re looking after children or young people this summer holidays you’ve probably given a thought to how you’re going to fill the time, but it’s also important to spare a thought for what you’re going to eat. Summer holidays invariably brings routine changes, and healthy eating and regular activities can easily fall by the wayside.
It’s important to try to think ahead about what you’re going to eat during the holidays as many studies have shown that a healthy diet in childhood is critically important. Studies have shown that a healthy diet in our youth is a foundation for good physical and mental health in adulthood. There’s an excellent article on the British Heart Foundation website with 8 tips for healthy school holiday eating.
Family Fun Activities In Cork This Summer
Keeping busy and active is vital for young people at any time of year and is especially important during the long summer holidays. Fortunately, there’s loads going on for young people and families this summer in Cork. Click here for a list of some of the best summer camps in Cork for younger kids and teens in Cork in summer 2017. For family activities to enjoy with your kids this summer see this guide to family fun things to do in Cork this summer.
Activity Tips To Get Active With Your Kids
Physical activity helps kids and adolescents grow strong bones, maintain a healthy weight and discover the world around them. Best of all, staying active is fun and proven to help you stay happy and healthy at any age. Some suggestions to make exercise fun for all the family this summer in Cork include:
- Walking and cycling. There are lots of cycling routes and cycling events in Cork to enjoy this summer.
- Build a den with your kids. Under supervision, you could even encourage your kids to climb a tree or two.
- Rollerskating. rollerblading or skateboarding, indoors or outside. Kids also love to get on their scooters.
- Do an activity or challenge for a charity. Find out about charity events in Cork.
- Take the dog for a walk together. If you don’t have your own dog to walk, you can always borrow a friend’s dog or a neighbours.
- Find time every weekend do something active with your kids. Why not play Frisbee or football in the park, go trampolining or try indoor rock climbing.
- Enjoy a day at the beach. Why not head down to Garrylucas or Garryvoe for the day.
- The National Parks in Ireland website has lists of events including children’s fun days or guided walks which are great ideas for active days out for this summer