Follow these five steps to a healthier family
with these wellness principles sponsored by
Children's Mercy
and 12345 Fit-Tastic!
Home
Structured activity is good for young minds, but sending
your child to summer camp can be costly and is not
always the right solution for all families. Use these
summer camp-inspired ideas to promote creativity,
growth and healthy habits at home.
"O
rganizing regular activities at home or in your community
gives kids something to look for ward to and can help
prevent boredom," says Melissa Stover, CCLS, STAR Power Program
Coordinator at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. "Schedule
a nature walk at your local park or set up a full day of fun themed
events. Tie in an arts-and-crafts station, scavenger hunt, related
book and themed snack time. Inviting friends and neighbors to
participate helps prevent feelings of isolation, which can occur
during summer break away from friends."
Limit Screen Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children spend
no more than two hours a day in front of screens. Screen time is
usually spent in a sedentary state, and too much can have adverse
effects on children, such as potential weight gain and interrupted
sleep cycles.
"Having a plan in place for replacing screen time with creative
alternatives can make cutting back easy," says Sandy Seitz, MSC,
ACSM-HFS, Project Coordinator with Weight Management at
Children's Mercy. "Start reducing screen time 15 minutes at a
time as a family. Set up a screen-free creative station full of readyto-go activities or turn commercial breaks into games that get
everyone moving, such as a race around the house or jumping jack
competition."
Choose healthy habits for a healthy future.
To learn more, visit www.12345Fit-Tastic.org
or scan this QR code.
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Shadow
Box Memories
Shadow boxes are a fun and easy at-home activity
that can create lasting memories.
You'll need:
• shadow boxes
• photos
• adhesive
• embellishments
• theme
• other small items.
STEP 1—CHOOSE A THEME
Capture the fun of your space-themed week of athome summer camp with construction paper planets
and star stickers.
STEP 2—ARRANGE ITEMS
There is no wrong way to make a shadow box.
Give children artistic freedom to arrange their
memories.
STEP 3—ATTACH
Younger children may need a hand attaching
items to the shadow box. Choose an age-appropriate
adhesive that's strong enough to hold items in place.
STEP 4—DISPLAY AND ENJOY
Set up shadow boxes in a playroom, bedroom or
family space and enjoy for years to come.
www.childrensmercy.org
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