Friday, January 6, 2012

Get The Kids Moving With Interactive Videos

I am all in favor of getting your kids active and away from constant t.v. and video games.  However, there is an exception to my rule:  interactive videos.  Search through your "on demand" channels for free kids excercise or yoga videos.  Kids of all ages love to workout together to these.  Also, if you have a Wii, there are some great excercise and dance games out there for the kids, like Nickelodeon's Dance game.  Again, fun for kids of all ages, and it provides really good excercise.  It's even a decent workout for mom & dad to do with the kids!

Friday, December 23, 2011

GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED ABOUT FRUIT!!!

It's not that hard to get your kids excited about fruit.  Take them to the local fruit stand or supermarket and let them pick out new fruits to try.  The different shapes, colors and textures are exciting to the little ones!  Don't be afraid to try coconuts, kiwi, papaya - even if it's something out of the ordinary, it will at least get your kids interested in trying healthy foods!

Friday, December 16, 2011

INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO GET THE KIDS MOVING

Inside fun during the cold winter months do not have to revolve around the t.v. or video games.  Shut off all electronics and have a dance party, or give each kid an instrument and march around the house making a marching band.  Simon-Says and Red-Light/Green-Light are good indoor activities to get the kids moving too.  And don't forget to exercise the brain too - teach your kids checkers and chess, card games, etc.  That way you are exercising the body and mind!

Friday, December 9, 2011

INCREASE KIDS' ACTIVITY THE FUN WAY!

Try increasing your child's physical activity through fun!  Buy them a pedometer and stopwatch (you can get both for under $10).  Kids love to time themselves and measure just about anything.  They can see how many steps it takes to walk around the house, down the block, across the yard, etc.  They can see how many steps they can take in 3 minutes.  They can see how many jumping jacks, rope jumps, sit ups, etc. they can do in a minute.  Bonus:  They can see how fast they can clean up their mess or their room!  They will be having fun while exercising at the same time: it's a win-win!

Friday, December 2, 2011

GIFTS "FIT" FOR CHRISTMAS

While you are shopping for the wee ones this holiday season, think about passing on the video games and substituting with things that will get them moving: jump ropes, bowling pin games, roller blades, even attachments for the Wii (tennis racket, golf club), etc.  Anything that gets them moving will help them physically, emotionally and mentally!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

STRESS BUSTER!

When you feel like you are at the end of your rope, take a four minute break and watch this video - it is the song by The Five Stairsteps that I constantly close my eyes and sing to myself like a mantra when I am at my breaking point. The singer in this remake doesn't quite get all of the words right, but he definitely makes me laugh! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA-SeAx0Opo Below are the lyrics:


Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Some day, yeah
We'll get it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Some day, yeah
We'll get it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Some day, yeah
We'll get it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things'll get brighter
Right now, right now