Why Tick and Mosquito Safety Matters During Summer Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer. But while hiking, camping, […]
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Summer wellness is about more than staying active, it’s also about finding a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor time. At IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo, our pediatrics team supports new moms and busy families across the New Albany, Saltillo, and Tupelo areas in making informed choices for their children. While devices can be educational and fun, too much screen time may impact a child’s sleep, focus, and physical development. Parents today face the challenge of managing screens while also encouraging their kids to enjoy the outdoors.
Finding the right balance is key. Children often gravitate toward screens for games, videos, or social connection. But hours spent indoors can mean less movement and missed opportunities for real-world learning. Summer is a great time to shift that balance and reconnect kids with the outdoors.
At IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo, we recommend creating clear screen time guidelines. Set daily limits and encourage breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. Use timers or apps that help track time spent on tablets or phones. Most importantly, make screen time purposeful. Educational games or family-friendly movies are better choices than passive scrolling.
Parents can model screen awareness by limiting their own device use. When kids see adults putting phones away, they’re more likely to do the same. Eating meals without screens, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and turning off notifications help create boundaries.
Outdoor time plays a major role in summer wellness. Running, biking, or even walking around the block builds strength and coordination. Fresh air and sunlight support sleep, mood, and vitamin D levels. Pediatricians at IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo encourage daily outdoor play for all children, especially during summer break.
Unstructured outdoor time supports creativity and emotional growth. Kids make up games, explore nature, and learn problem-solving. Even simple activities like drawing with chalk or playing tag are beneficial. These moments teach teamwork, build confidence, and reduce stress.
Children should spend at least one hour outdoors daily. Activities can include visiting local parks, helping with gardening, or exploring trails in the Tupelo area. Choosing outdoor fun as a family helps kids stay engaged and creates stronger bonds.
Many parents ask how to balance tech use without conflict. At IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo, we recommend starting with a plan. Involve children in setting limits. Let them help create a daily routine that includes both screen time and outdoor time. This gives them a sense of control and helps reduce resistance.
Consider a visual chart that shows morning play, learning time, meals, and outdoor activities. Rewarding outdoor time with fun privileges like choosing a game or picking a book can make it feel more exciting.
Parents can also tie screen time to physical activity. For example, 30 minutes of outdoor play could earn a set amount of screen time later. This system helps reinforce positive habits.
One way to support summer wellness is by making the outdoors more inviting. Kids are more likely to play outside if the space feels fun and safe. At IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo, we suggest adding simple tools like balls, jump ropes, or sidewalk chalk to your outdoor area.
Setting up a small shaded space with a blanket and books can also encourage quiet time outdoors. For families in New Albany or Saltillo with yards or patios, water tables, tents, or mini obstacle courses are great additions. These options offer variety and keep children interested.
Community spaces like parks or splash pads are also great. Exploring new areas provides fresh excitement and encourages movement. Many families in the Tupelo area use weekends to visit trails, open fields, or farmer’s markets for extra outdoor experiences.
Reducing screen time has many benefits. Children who spend more time outdoors tend to sleep better, focus more easily, and show improved social skills. They’re more active, which supports healthy growth. IM&PC providers in New Albany and Saltillo often see improvements in attention, behavior, and overall mood when screen habits are balanced.
Too much screen use has been linked to eye strain, headaches, and trouble falling asleep. Shifting toward a healthy balance helps reduce these problems. It also makes time with screens more meaningful and less of a passive habit.
When kids are encouraged to move, create, and explore, they grow in ways that screens alone can’t support. Whether it’s through sports, building forts, or watching bugs in the grass, outdoor time fuels development.
Summer wellness is easier to achieve when the whole family participates. Parents, siblings, and even grandparents can be part of a plan to reduce screen time and get outside more. This creates a sense of shared purpose and fun.
At IM&PC, we see families succeed when they set goals together. Try creating a summer challenge with outdoor checklists, such as visiting five parks or walking 10,000 steps in a day. Celebrate small wins with a picnic, game night, or a shared journal to reflect on favorite outdoor memories.
Eating outdoors can also break the screen habit. Simple backyard meals or snacks on the porch turn into special moments. When kids associate being outside with family time and fun, they look forward to it.
Here’s a sample schedule families can adapt:
Screen time and outdoor play both have a place in a child’s life. The goal is not to eliminate devices but to find a healthy balance that supports summer wellness. At IM&PC in New Albany and Saltillo, our pediatrics team works closely with parents to guide children toward balanced habits.
With a bit of planning, creativity, and support, families across the Tupelo area can enjoy a summer filled with fun, movement, and connection. Small changes—like setting screen limits, creating play spaces, and getting outside—help kids thrive.
By encouraging outdoor adventures and mindful screen use, parents give their children the gift of a healthier, more balanced childhood.
Why Tick and Mosquito Safety Matters During Summer Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer. But while hiking, camping, […]
Read More