Summer Smoothie
Let me set the scene. We are at the playground to run out the endless supply of energy my boys seem to have. Oldest whines that his hair is wet. (He hates when the sweat starts to drip along his ears and makes his hair stick from wetness.) Preschooler’s face is flushed red and still he runs the opposite direction when I tell him it’s time to leave. I scoop him up and wrestle him into his car seat. We are HOT. I am tired. Somehow the kids still have enough energy to fill the car with too loud singing about how they NEED a snack. This is summer.
Whether you love summer or you hate sweating, whether you escape to cooler climates or just run towards the water, cold summer treats can add some fun to the hottest summer day. I knew as soon as we got home that we would make a smoothie to help all of us cool off, connect, and regulate our emotions. Keep reading as I share with you why I make smoothies with my children and how many benefits there are to this cold summer treat!
Connection. Even the smallest of rituals can build positive relational opportunities with your child. Making smoothies is such a simple way to include your child in the kitchen and foster relationship and independence. Smoothies are easy for your little ones to help make or for your school aged kids to do on their own.
Healthy habits. Let’s face it, getting enough daily fruits and veggies into our kids can sometimes be a challenge. This is one easy way to get in those veggies or protein without them protesting. The trick is to balance the amount of sugar with the amount of protein so your child doesn’t have a subsequent sugar rush and crash.
Hydrate. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time making sure my kids get enough water in the hot summer months. A smoothie can be a fun way to add in some water or electrolytes to ensure they stay hydrated. We like to add coconut water, a flavored Body Armour drink, or just extra ice water as the liquid in our smoothies!
Behavioral benefits! What?! That’s right, you can use the vitamins and health benefits of your smoothie to support your child’s behavior. Bananas, avocados, kale, and spinach all have magnesium, which can help promote quality sleep and improve the brain’s ability to manage stress. Children (and parents) who struggle with ADHD, anxiety/depression or other neurodevelopmental differences can benefit from adequate magnesium levels in their diet. Also the cold texture and sucking motion of drinking a smoothie through a straw has a way of reconnecting the brain and body and calming an overstimulated child (or parent!)
Was that enough reasons to make a favorite smoothie with your kids before summer is over? Tag me on Instagram @encourage.club with your smoothie smile if you make one today!
