How Parents Can Find Time for Home Fitness
It's tough to find time to work out when you're a busy parent. Do you have successful strategies for squeezing exercise into your busy schedule, via home fitness workouts or another tactic?
cmanyluff wrote: I try to sneak in workouts whenever I can. I have been known to do squats and lunges while holding a baby or feeding my son in his highchair. I also have a double jogging stroller which I use for shorter runs when my kids are in good moods... read more.
Share your suggestions for fitting in more fitness.
Best Ways to Help Kids Learn Healthy Habits
We know it's important to teach kids to make good choices about health and fitness. But how?
JannaTL wrote: We keep the TV off (we used to actually put it in a closet, don't have to do that any more) during the week. It is only allowed on the weekends. Yes my older kids FREAKED when we started this plan but they are used to it now, and spend their time playing outside ... read more
Share your advice about modeling and encouraging healthy habits.
Parent Dos and Don'ts on Helping Kids Enjoy Exercise
Fun fitness: How do you send this important message to your kids? How do you teach them, from toddlerhood on up, that physical activity is not only good for you, but lots of fun too?
Susan Adcox wrote: We've all been at the pool and heard the chorus from kids, "Watch this! Look at me!" Kids love to be watched as they are exploring what their bodies can do. As a grandmother, I may not be able to shoot hoops with my grandchildren for hours, but I can certainly watch them and applaud their shots ... read more.
Share your advice about making fitness more fun.
Healthy Snack Ideas
What are your favorite kids' snack ideas? Whether it's mid-morning, after-school, on the road, or at half-time on the playing field, what healthy snack ideas have you found?
Grannie wrote: My grandchildren like nuts. I buy peanuts and pistachios in the shell because they are less salty and the kids have fun picking them out ...read more.
Share your suggestions for healthy, kid-friendly snacks.
Advice for Family Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention
Whether your family is struggling with obesity or looking to prevent it, there are safe, healthy, simple ways to promote family weight loss. What have you done to encourage a healthier lifestyle in your home?
Elizabeth369 wrote: We like to go for walks in the evening. It's good for us (and our dog!), and it enables us to talk about the day's events and bond as a family. And, best of all, it's free! ... read more.
Share your strategies for healthy fat-busing techniques.
Fun Ideas for Active Play
What's your guaranteed, go-to way to get kids up and moving? What games or activities always encourage active, physical play in your home? Do you have a special strategy for inspiring the couch potato in your life?
KitKat wrote: At ages 5 and 7, my kids still love balloons (air-filled or helium). They are good for chasing, bouncing, swatting and just a generally great time! ... read more.
Share your tips for active play.
Favorite Rainy Day Activities
What do you do to keep kids busy when the weather's bad? Whether your family is cooped up due to showers, sleet, or heat, favorite rainy day activities can help everyone from going stir-crazy.
Amy wrote: We have a few dance-themed videos so sometimes we use those to jumpstart the fun, but both kids prefer to make up their own routines -- we have full-length mirrors throughout the house, so we like to blast the music and run from room to room to try our moves out in different "stages." ...read more.
Favorite Family Outings
Where does your family love to go, indoors or out, to play actively together?
Siouxsie wrote: My favorite spot is a nearby city park. Not only is there playground equipment, but also there's a lot of concrete trail for biking and scootering. It's on a bayou, so we can feed the ducks, fish and seagulls ...read more.
What Every Sports Parent Should Know
When your child joins a sports team for the first time, it's a learning experience for both of you. What have you discovered, the hard way, as a sports parent? What advice would you give to parents of kids starting out? Find tips on everything from half-time snacks to post-game pep talks to dealing with crummy coaches or disappointing games.
Patois wrote: Don't coach from the sidelines. Let the coach do that. Applaud when either side makes a goal. Nothing frosts me more than treating games in the early years as serious competition. Root for your kid. Root for the other kids, too ... read more.
Share your tips for parents of kids who swim, ice skate, do gymnastics, or play soccer, football, hockey, baseball/softball, or basketball.
Why Kids Walk to School (and Why They Don't)
It used to be a given: Kids walked to school, end of story (usually uphill, both ways). These days, it's not so simple. Homes and schools are more spread out; parents perceive neighborhoods as less safe. What do you think, and what do you do? Do you think contemporary parents coddle their kids too much?
Lisa wrote: No, my daughter doesn't walk to school, and honestly it isn't very practical: it's about 3 miles. But we also walk her to the bus stop and pick her up, though it's a short walk, a safe neighborhood, and she's ten years old. Why? Because EVERYBODY walks their child to the bus stop—and I'd hate to be seen as the neighborhood "bad parent." read more.
Share your thoughts about whether kids can and should walk to school.
