Tuesday, 24 April 2007 19:00
The onset of warm weather is met by children everywhere with smiles, cheers, and, all too often, hours spent vegging out in front of the TV or playing video games, unwinding after a year of mental exhaustion.
For parents, summer brings with it more work, kids demanding near-constant attention, and the concern that children aren’t getting outside and enjoying the fresh air – not to mention physical activity – nearly enough.
For all of those parents and kids, here are some tips for keeping things fun and fit this summer:
Don’t just model good behavior – get involved.
Families that play together, stay together. Or something like that. Engaging in physical activities with kids is a great way to get them excited and strengthen family bonds at the same time. Trust me, a backyard game of softball with the kids before dinner is a great way to burn calories and create a memory all at the same time.
Make a splash.
Even if your kids would prefer not to engage in competitive sports with the neighborhood soccer champs, chances are everyone’s been waiting all year to finally put on a bathing suit. If you can’t get to a pool, try a nearby lake, or simply suit up the kids, turn on the sprinkler, and enjoy.
Turn off the TV and computers.
Set aside time every day to take a break from media overload. With extra time to talk during dinner, engage in arts and crafts, or play kickball in the street, even an hour a day off the boob tube can do wonders for kids’ mental and physical development.
Choose smart TV.
When your child does watch TV, find shows and videos that encourage young children to be active, get up and dance, or play along. Get involved yourself. Everyone dancing around a TV set may not be a classic form of exercise, but it’s one that can get everyone up and involved.
Get outside for other warm-weather-only activities.
Enjoy the sunshine with a walk in the park, a hike through the woods, a bike ride, or a roller-blading excursion. Kids will be excited to do things they can’t always do, especially if you do it with them.
Plan an unusual activity.
Invite some of your child’s friends over and create a scavenger hunt, build an obstacle course, have a jump rope or hula-hoop contest, or anything else you can think of – all in the name of fitness and fun.
Hit the beach.
And not just to soak up the rays! Take walks to look for seashells, body surf, or bring along a football or some rackets. (Added bonus: playing in the sand burns extra calories and helps with kids’ stability and muscle development.)
Join a class.
Local moms’ groups, gyms, and community centers all offer classes for kids. So if you’re having trouble getting your kids off the couch to play with each other for the 5th day in a row, this could be a good way to mix it up.
Image: Getty Images
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at Monday, 09 June 2008 13:48
You might try having your kids create their own obstacle courses. It is a fun way to turn on their creativity, see what physical activities interest them, and let them go wild outside in a new way. You'll be amazed with how much running and jumping can be done in a small yard - and how long an open-ended activity like this can last. Once they've figured out their plan, see if you can run through their course, too!
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