Splash Away Stress
Have your kids been hitting the pool a lot this summer? Although their fingers might be prune-like, their minds and bodies are healthier for it.
In addition to keeping kids fit, one study revealed that swimming also has a positive impact on their mood. Taking a dip zapped people's tension and improved their energy levels afterward. Plus, swimming regularly can help your children build strength and coordination while cushioning their joints.
You want your child to enjoy swimming and splashing around in the water, but you also want them to be safe. Knowing how to swim greatly reduces the risk of drowning, which is one of the most common causes of accidental death among young people. Around age four, kids usually have the developmental skills needed to benefit from formal swimming instruction and water safety training.
Once they've learned how to swim, help your kids keep stress and anxiety to a minimum all year by seeking out various places to swim, both indoors and out. Check with your local YMCA or community center. Local bodies of water in your area also may be good choices. Some membership gyms have swimming facilities on the premises. Can't get access to swimming facilities? Don't worry, any kind of regular physical activity can help boost your child's mood and relieve stress.
