Beating the End-of-Summer Blues
TEXT SANDRA OSBORN-PETERS
A s summer sunlight begins to
dwindle and fall approaches,
kids can easily and mindlessly
fall into the sing-songy “I’m
bored” tune. They charged off the school
bus back in June to conquer camp, soak up
pool time and max out on family vacations.

Their boundless energy is now waning as we
enter the dog days of August. It’s time to get
creative with family fitness while cementing
those final, precious summer memories.

Parents should continue setting positive
examples and remain active with their kids
whenever possible. Swim laps. Maintain
your running schedule. Get to the gym. Your
participation in these activities reinforces a
parent’s unyielding commitment to good
health. Now find ways to bring the whole
family into the fit fun.

Take the whole family out for swim lessons.

Who couldn’t use a quick brush up on
different strokes? Blast the blues with family
dancing shoes. Whether it’s “Just Dance,”
an outdoor concert or your family favorites
from an IPod, dancing is a fun activity for
everyone in the family.

Rock climbing, laser tag, or even the cool
comfort of an air-conditioned bowling
alley offer parents a chance to model
healthy behaviors and engage in friendly
competition. August is an ideal time to set fitness goals
for the fall and winter seasons. Local YMCA
branches and community rec centers offer
introductory and advanced level indoor
sports programs for all age levels. Do the
kids intend to participate in a sport at
school? Is there an individual goal like
running a specific distance event? Does a
child wish to take his or her talents to a new
sport? Enjoy the good weather. Sample the different
sports, and then plan the approach for
the upcoming season. For example, the
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington offers
T-ball, blastball and baseball in progressive
programs that emphasize proper technique
while having a memorable, fun and
rewarding experience.

Then, build on the momentum you generate
by planning fall activities. As soon as the
doors open, many area schools will be
planning for the one-mile MCM Kids Run
hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon on
Oct. 24 in Arlington, VA. Open to children
ages 5 to 12, the Kids Run welcomes many
schools who use this event as a way to
establish a running program and generate
motivation among young and often reluctant
runners. School, sees student running as a universal
sport. “We started a running club to get
our students prepared for fall events,”
explained Sidebotham. “We feel in this day
and age when there are many things vying
for students’ attention, it is important to
emphasize health and fitness. Running clubs
have been one way we’ve done that.”
Though running provides excellent health
benefits and immediate rewards (who
doesn’t love being presented a medal?), it
is just one of many fall physical activities.

Others, including football and indoor
swimming, offer cardiovascular benefits
similar to running. By enrolling their
kids in these activities during elementary
years, parents can help to reinforce the
team concept at home and create a lasting
enthusiasm for health and fitness. While the
end of summer blues could drive many to
the sofa, a firm commitment to health and
wellness can boost family energy levels.

Sandra Osborn-Peters is the MCM community
relations coordinator. Parents can register their
children for the MCM Kids Run via the MCM
website:www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Weekend/ MCM_Kids_Run.html. Schools can register student
groups by contacting sandra.osbornpeters@usmc.mil.

Articles in the Healthy Kids Series are presented by
Michael B. Sidebotham, Principal of Stafford
County’s Grafton Village Elementary
the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run. No federal or
Marine Corps endorsement implied.

washingtonFAMILY.com August 2015 43