August is here, and soon summer days will fade and school days will start.
Before we do that, let's take some time to celebrate Family Fun Month during August! Just before going back to school is a great time to enjoy being together as a family and create lasting memories.
Research has shown that children who spend quality time with their families have fewer behavioral problems, less substance abuse and delinquency, better academic outcomes, less depression, and greater feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Family activities don't have to be expensive or elaborate. Often, the moments children remember most are the simple experiences spent laughing, talking, and enjoying time with the people they love.
Spending time together also provides opportunities to strengthen communication, build trust, and help children feel supported as they prepare for a new school year. Even setting aside a few hours each week for family fun can make a positive difference.
Here are some suggestions for spending time together as a family:
• Have a backyard campfire
• Do a scavenger hunt
• Go on a picnic
• Go fishing
• Go fly a kite
• Go swimming
• Cook together
• Play board games
• Visit a state park and explore
• Take a family bike ride or evening walk
• Create a family movie night
• Volunteer together in your community
What better time than now to build healthy kids and families with connections that run deep? Enjoy the last days of summer by making memories that will last long after the school year begins.
For more information and ideas on being active as a family, visit food.unl.edu.
