Friday: Exercise and Activity

If I had a quarter for every time we drove past a park when my kids asked if we could stop and play there, I’d be a rich lady.  I would venture to say 99% of kids under 5 years old would rather play at the park than watch TV.

Take them there while they are young!  Because by the time they hit the tween years and beyond, they won’t be so hip on the idea.  When they are very young it does take more diligence on your part to constantly be in tow while they try to jump off the 5 foot landing instead of go down the slide, but as they get older, the park visits get way more fun.  Visiting with neighbors, reading a good magazine while your kids are working out every muscle in their little bodies and tiring themselves out can be fun for you.

Don’t wait for perfect weather!  Once its warm enough, the excuse becomes its too hot. Go today. Kids do not mind if its 40 degrees or 100 degrees, they LOVE THE PARK. 

Make it double the exercise.  Walk, ride your bikes, rollerskate, or run there.  No park?  You can play at your local elementary school when school is not in session.  

Make a goal to take your kids to a NEW park every week till fall.  They will enjoy the diversity and see new places.