Summer Drains and Keeping Kids Energised: One for the Moms

Moms, the worries go through the roof as summer begins.
Not to undermine the rest of the year, of course. But there’s something about summer that feels like a different level of chaos. The kids want to play outside, and there’s only the sun, quite literally. The heatwaves, the vapourising, the invincible straw the sun has right over our heads, sucking the energy out of everyone and everything.

This does not make you want to step out. And yet, you do. Because...

The summer holidays are the best thing for kids.
They’ve been waiting for this all year—the break where they can ride their bikes for hours, hop between each other’s houses, plan sleepovers, make friendship bracelets, have pool parties, and the never ending want of ice cream for all three meals (which, on some days, you might just agree to). It’s a season of joy. For them.

For moms? It’s a little more... intense.

What the Children Don’t Tell You

Beneath all that west-to-east wide laughter and huffing and puffing, there’s usually one thing on their minds: to play. And that’s it.
They’re not thinking about sunstroke, dehydration, fatigue, or nutrition. They don’t feel tired until they crash. Their thirst goes unnoticed if a ball rolls their way. Their hunger is forgotten until it becomes a dramatic meltdown. And that’s when they come running to you, flushed cheeks, dizzy eyes, out of breath.

And just like that, all the motherly instincts kick in. Again.

But let’s not wait for the rescue mission every day this summer. There’s a way to be ready before the crash.

Sports Mode Activated:

Here’s the good part: the sun, despite all its drama, does provide a solid surge of vitamin D. So when the kids head out for their daily neighbourhood Olympics, it’s not all bad news. Running around barefoot in the burning garden, cycling to the park, kicking the ball across the field, not to forget the super-heated steel tawa, sorry, the slide. It’s good for their bones, mood, and sleep (and yours, when they finally crash in bed).

Just remember: more sun = more hydration + more fuel, or we could say, Go-Go Fuel!

Focus on the Bites:

It’s the in-between meals that really matter. Summer appetites can be strange. Some days they’re ravenous, and other days, even a sandwich feels like a lot. The trick is to keep the snacks light but loaded.

• Homemade popsicles with fruit and yoghurt
  
  
• Fresh fruit bowls or frozen grapes
  
  
• Nut and seed trail mixes
  
  
• Coconut water, fresh juices, smoothies, and shakes
  
  
• Simple wraps or sandwiches with something they love
  
  

These won’t spike their energy and crash it. They’ll keep your child going strong, without needing an emergency pitstop every hour. And the main key is to get their energy going neutral and not an unhealthy surge 

Now We Can Chill:

A little planning and a few power snacks can go a long way.
You’ll still hear “Mum, I’m hungry!” or “Where’s my water bottle?” about 50 times a day, but hey, you’re better equipped now.

We hope this helps you, just a little, in keeping your little tots happy while being healthy.
Now go ahead, refill that water bottle, blend that smoothie, and maybe steal a moment of shade (or silence) for yourself.

If you’ve put the kids to work and are chilling, or simply looking for something to read, here’s Origin’s co-founder’s mom-mode kicking in when they found that their own kids and children in general may not get enough nutrients in their day. You’ve got this, Mom.