Ahh Summer...long days, nights spent catching fireflies, days spent at the pool, eating picnic lunches, and reconnecting with your family. Sound like your families summer routine? On some days it looks like ours, but the reality is summer can present its fair share of challenges to keeping the kids “active”.

“And listen...don’t forget the popsicles and ice cream.”

We all know the standard summer drill of keeping the kids moving. Buy sidewalk chalk, spend hours at the pool, go for hikes, blow bubbles, take the bikes to the greenways, go for evening family walks, and invade our favorite parks. So how do we as Today’s Dads make sure our kids (and ourselves) are moving our asses enough during the summer?

Keep the Routine Fresh

Real talk...as dads we are the masters of keeping things fresh...especially in the summer. First of all, we always have a secret stash of summer toys at our disposal whenever needed. Whether it is water balloons, water guns, crazy backyard science experiments (yea that includes rockets and all that jazz), or some crazy ass board/card game we are prepared!

Secondly we know better than to always go to the same damn park (insert any type of location here you like). MIX IT UP! Maybe it is visiting a park on the other end of town, or hiking your favorite trail at night instead of during the day, or showing the kids that you can camp out in the backyard. Whatever it is, Today’s Dad is always on the lookout for a new spot...or a way to spice up an old favorite!

Most importantly...Today’s Dad knows the ultimate key to keeping things fresh in the summer is to add water. That’s not just because you can make it count for a bath...even though that is a solid reason...and I’ve played that card enough times to know! Coloring with chalk in the driveway? Wrap it up with a hose fight! Playing an epic game of tag or hide and seek? Sounds like a perfect time to bust out those water balloons from your secret stash. Running through the yard? Slip and slide seems much more logical.

Whatever your thing is...be creative and push the kids to use their imaginations. After all, it's important to exercise the mind too….

Beat the Heat

I love summer weather, but damn this has been a stupidly hot and humid one! So we’ve had to be smart about when we’ve gotten out outside activity time in. You’ve got to get out in the morning hours when it is cooler for the outdoor play session. The kids are always happier in the mornings anyways, right? And for us, lunch time serves as a good transition point in the day anyways. We get inside for lunch, or rock a picnic in the shade somewhere and then let everyone catch some down/quiet time for a little. By the time you we are through all of that, usually the hottest part of the day has passed and we get back to playing outside!

And listen...don’t forget the popsicles and ice cream. Its a solid way to catch a break when it is hot out but you aren’t quite ready to give up on being outside yet. Frozen treat break in the shade...ready...do it!

Don’t Forget Yourself

Remember we’ve got to take care of ourselves. Yes we are active from running around with the kids all the time, but we still need to get our workouts done too! I mean that dad bod isn't going to shape itself...is it?

Soapbox moment approaching...the example that we set for our kids by engaging in a healthy and active lifestyle will only encourage them to do the same as they grow. Because the hope is we can keep them from living their lives with their heads stuck in a phone, video game, or up their ass…we don’t want that do we...exiting soapbox...

So figure out how to get your workout in! Yes there is always something that can get in the way or an excuse to be made...but you’ve got to do it. Hammer those early morning runs, or hit the trails in the evenings. Maybe you’ve got to load the kids up in the running stroller and log some miles before a play session at the park or maybe your greenway ride is now a “family greenway ride”...yea it sucks sometimes, but such is life ...and a little resistance training isn’t going to kill you. Whatever it is that you need to do to make it happen, do it! Easier said than done, but Today’s Dad will make it happen.

If for no other reason, set that example for the kids and get those summer activity minutes in with them. You’ll be healthier physically, more relaxed mentally, and more eager to Wake. Dad. Drink. Repeat. all over again tomorrow….

Palmer out!

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