Summer vacations are that time of the year which excites children and secretly exhausts parents.
With the sun blazing outside and playtime reducing indoors, irritability, boredom and endless ‘What next, Mumma?’ questions become part of the daily soundtrack. Keeping them occupied becomes a task, but keeping them calm, fed and away from constant screen time? That feels almost impossible.
Of course, you can drive them to the nearest play zone. Maybe a day at the games arcade, a round of bowling, even a day at the mall. But how many days can you carry on with that? Every outing means eating out too — and that’s where the bigger worry begins.
The world we live in today is flooded with foods under scrutiny. Fabricated paneer packed with starch, artificially ripened mangoes loaded with calcium carbide and oils reused to unhealthy extremes and the list is never-ending. Staying indoors might seem boring at first, but it offers a space where kids can learn patience, creativity and how to build their fun — without the adrenaline rush crashing down as soon as they come home.
I am not just a nutritionist; I am a mother too. I vividly remember doing this: Instead of constantly wondering how to entertain restless kids, why not turn the kitchen into their daytime playground? I’d Lay out a kiddie menu and sometimes plan mini playdates around it. Simple, safe and honestly, more fun than standing in line at a food court.
Kids love to do stuff themselves and brag about it. You could give them ingredients like coconut water, diced fruit chunks and chia seeds to make their own popsicles. This recipe will not only keep them hydrated; it will also keep them happily occupied.
An avid evangelist of millets since forever, I simply adore the idea of a Ragi Pizza Party! I know the idea may sound intimidating but it is as simple as it could be. All you need to do is, knead a soft dough with ragi flour, yogurt, a pinch of salt and baking soda and then let the kids roll mini bases, layer them with homemade tomato sauce, a handful of veggies and grated cheese. Bake them off, and you have a fiber-rich, nourishing meal with the excitement of ‘we did it on our own!’
Another simpleton is the good old colourful, wobbly fruit jellies using chia seed powder as a natural setting agent instead of gelatine. My personal summer go-to, though, is a fruit slurry. These chilled bowls of blended fruits and crushed ice make for a perfect light meal; they serve as a perfect summer meal – light and refreshing.
Summers don’t mean you won’t go out – but be smart. The early mornings are golden time for a jog in a nearby park, cycling around your neighbourhood or even a plain nature walk to build stamina and resilience.
Stepping out after sunset, is the best way for not-so-morning people. A game of badminton under the lights, or simply a light-hearted chat with friends — these are wonderful ways to enjoy the cooler parts of the day.

And since the days are long and the school routine is on pause, one can stretch that bedtime a little. Swapping all screen-time with thoughtful activities may sound tedious at first, but the rewards are sweeter than any fruit you’ll ever chop up for them in the kitchen!