Staying fit is important at any age, but you can instill some good habits in your kids by getting them active young. It’s easier said than done these days – many kids would prefer to stay in and watch YouTube than play outdoors.
So what can you do to get your kids healthy? Here are some suggestions to help make getting fit fun for your kids.
It’s important that the whole family stays fit, so why not do it together? There are plenty of great ways to exercise as a family. Going for walks together, bike rides, and even playing games in the backyard can be a good way for you all to burn some energy and stay active. You should try to be active regularly throughout the week, but some time spent together on the weekend could also be a good way for you to get fit together.
Get (or borrow!) a dog
Dogs need exercise just as people do, and getting a dog can be a great incentive to get you all out of the house. Getting a dog is an excellent excuse to go for long walks, go to the beach and enjoy general playtime, which can be fun for the whole family. It’s a big commitment, and a big responsibility but a dog can make a treasured member of your family. There are some things you should know before you get a dog, and if it’s not right for you right now, you could always offer to walk a friend or neighbor’s dog instead?
Choose something they’ll be interested in
One of the ways to keep your kids happy is to find something that they’re interested in. A fun and active hobby that they look forward to doing is worth the money it costs, helping to keep them in shape while developing some confidence. Have you considered karate classes or dance lessons? An interesting activity that helps them develop a skill will be something they can enjoy, and won’t feel like exercise at all!
What about team sports?
Team sports are another way you can make getting active fun for your kids. Team sports have a number of benefits, helping to teach different social skills, make friends and is something the family can all get involved in supporting. Try not to focus too much on the winning aspect of team sports, remind them it’s the fun they have that matters the most. Staying fit and active is an easy way your family can stay healthy. Whether you choose to exercise together or encourage your kids to exercise themselves, it’s good for the whole family to find some fitness activities you enjoy. The habits you teach your kids now will stay with them in the future and help make sure they maintain them. Set a good example by fitting exercise into your life and teach your children the benefits of an active lifestyle.
As a parent there are so many important
decisions to make, but one of the most important you’ll ever make
is which school to send your child to. There are three main options
when it comes to schooling in America; public school, private school
and home school. Here, we run through some of the positive aspects of
each option in order to help you make the right decision for your
child.
Public School
The main benefit of public school is,
of course, the fact that you do not have to pay for your children to
attend. Not only is the schooling itself provided free of charge, so
is the transport to and from school plus public schools usually have
additional services such as after school clubs which are free to
attend too. Due to being government funded, public school staff have
to meet strict criteria and can therefore be relied upon to teach to
a good standard. Public schools will also have to meet various other
criteria such as having suitable alterations made in order to
accommodate various disabilities.
In public schools, your child will be
exposed to a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and
cultures, rather than in private school where the fees often dictate
that only the more privileged echelons of society are able to attend.
Your instinct as a parent may be to create a perfect world for your
child however, by exposing them to the real world and real people you
could contribute towards their development into a well-rounded,
compassionate individual.
Private School
Unlike public school, for your child to attend a private school you must pay fees. Fees vary between different schools, but they do generally require a significant income from parents. If you need help raising the funds to send you child to private school, you could always take a look at getting a loan from GoBear.com. However, due to the funds you are paying, you will often find that private schools have better facilities. Class sizes are smaller than in public schools so the teaching can be more focused, and your child is more likely to get one on one attention from their teachers. It is not always the case but attitudes towards learning from their peers are often more positive in private schools, which helps when it comes to your child being able to focus on their education.
Because the students in private schools are taken from a smaller pool, the curriculum does not have to be so widely inclusive of lots of different needs as it would in a public school. Therefore, the curriculum is often more challenging in private schools than public schools. However, due to the smaller class sizes, if you’re child is struggling their needs can easily be met. Although their peers will be less diverse, it can be nice for them to be around like-minded people. Overall, private schools provide one of the safest and most supportive school environments for your child. Find options around you with a simple online search for ‘private elementary schools jacksonville fl‘ or wherever you may live to see what might suit you and your child best.
Home School
If you’re worried that your child is going to suffer as a result of socializing with other children, you could opt for home schooling until they are old enough to handle the challenge. This is also a good option if you’re worried that your child will miss out due to the lack of individual attention in public schools, but you cannot afford to send them to private school. Home schooling does require a lot of time and effort from you as a parent, but you could always hire private tutors to help you.
There are lots of benefits to each type of schooling; the one on one attention they would get from home schooling, the safe, top-quality environment of a private school and the diverse, standard driven environment of a public school. Hopefully with this information you will be able to make a more informed choice on where to send you child. For more help with parenting challenges, take a look at going-dad.com.
If you have children, you know how energetic they are. Children love jumping around and there is a high chance that you have already bought a trampoline for them to keep up with their energy.
A 10ft round trampoline is the safest outlet for your child’s enthusiasm and entertainment. But what’s more is that it gives them a method of staying fit and healthy emotionally, mentally and physically. The best part about having a trampoline is that even you can get on the trampoline and get some of that much-needed exercise.
But once your child grows older, their
fascination with the trampoline subsides. If your child is 10 years
old or older, you know they prefer sleepovers with friends over
jumping on the trampoline. The question then arises—what do you
with the trampoline?
It’s easy to donate toys and books, but trampolines are just too huge! And perhaps, you may not even want to let go of it completely because of the fun memories attached to it. If you’re currently confused about what to do with the huge trampoline in your backyard, then we’re here to help! In this guide, you’ll find some of the most exciting and creative ideas of recycling the gigantic trampoline in your backyard to keep it handy and useful!
Make a Gorgeous Garden Out of It
If you’re a nature lover, then why not make a beautiful elevated garden out of your trampoline? A 12ft trampoline has plenty of space to accommodate pots! Place some pots filled with fertile soil and deposit the seeds of your favorite plants and flowers with your children. In a few weeks, you’ll have little shoots sprouting out and eventually, a spectacular elevated garden in your backyard!
2. Turn It into an Indoor or Outdoor Hammock
Do you try to
de-stress on Sunday? Then there’s no better fix than lazing around
in a hammock! If you have been avoiding buying one because it is too
expensive, then don’t worry. Just use your old trampoline to build
one!
All you have to do is remove the top, springy part from the legs of the trampoline, cover it with a rounded cushion and tie it to the ceiling to hang. Place some plush cushions and cover it up with some light net-made fabric for extra comfort. And there you have it— your very own hammock to relax on after a long day.
3. Remove Its Base and Turn It into a Huge Holiday Garland
Why discard the trampoline in your home when you can turn it into a holiday decoration? One of the most creative things you can do with your trampoline is to use it as an ornament. Simply remove the base and the bottom gets and keep the circular iron rod. When it’s the holiday season, layer it up with braids of leaves and plants, festoon it with decorative items and complete the look with a bow on top! You can ever add battery operated lights to make it shine at night.
4. Use It for Your Own Kitchen Garden
Are you passionate about gardening?
Then why not grow your own kitchen garden?
Growing a kitchen garden in your home can be tough if your backyard is already planted. But here’s where you can use your trampoline to make some room for your kitchen garden. Turn the trampoline upside down and remove its base. According to its circumference, dig up the grassy ground and place the seeds of your favourite vegetables. The best part about using the trampoline for your kitchen garden is the legs that serve as a fence for the baby sprouts. The legs protect the shoots from being stepped on accidentally.
You can also place a net around the legs for extra security. And when it’s pouring cats and dogs, you can even drape the top with a heavy blanket or wooden plank to prevent the heavy rainfall from ruining the germinating seeds!
5. Use it for an Outdoor Movie Scene
If you’re not that good with DIYs, you can actually take the easy route and use your trampoline for something even better—an outdoor movie scene! With someone’s assistance, prop up the trampoline and lean it against a tree or a stand that could support it. Cover up the bottom of the base with a reflective, white cloth and its all set to go. Bring out the projector and place it at a distance from the trampoline, play the movie and enjoy quality time with your friends!
6. Use It for In-House Camping
Are you and your family members fond of
adventures? Then you probably love camping! While it may be a little
too risky to go camping in the heart of woodland with your children,
you can still enjoy a sense of thrill with your young ones right at
home!
Yes, we’re talking about converting the trampoline into a camp. All you have to do is set up the tent on the trampoline and make an elevated camp out of it. Invite your children’s friends for a sleepover and let them have some adventure!
7. Convert It into a Massive Swing Set
Are you thinking about getting an
outdoor swing for you and your family? If you are, then just turn the
trampoline into a swing set and save some bucks! Remove the lets of
the trampoline and secure its circumference with four strong chains.
Hang the trampoline by a tree branch and voila—you have an awesome
outdoor swing set! The best part about this makeshift swing is that
it is much more spacious than a proper swing so more than one person
can sit on it at a time!
About Author:
Bec is a wife and mother of two who works part-time in the childcare industry. Bec has over 20 years in childcare and a real passion for helping children develop their motor skills. Being a busy mum, Bec is always looking for new outdoor activities, like using trampoline for exercise as well as for playing games that you and your kids can play with your friends and family.
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
