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How To Raise Active Kids
This past weekend I was invited to team up with LeapFrog and Clif Bars and host a Fit Made Fun Party. Of course I was thrilled to be chosen. If you are looking for active kids, I’ve got 5 of them!
Although we work hard on keeping our kids moving, we are always happy to find a little help. Sometimes the couch is just a little too comfy and sometimes we could all use some motivation.
There are a few tricks I do to keep my kids moving.
Lead By Example
This one is hard, especially if you are not an overly energetic person, or if you work a busy job or balance a crazy schedule.
Try to show your kids how fun being active is. When you are at the park (unless you are working on your phone-which I TOTALLY support), play with them.
Don’t sit on the bench. If you are going for a bike ride, go ride with them. You get the picture.
Set Up The Day
I plan out each day to ensure we have both active time and downtime.
I am not afraid to say that my kids watch TV, they even play video games on the weekend.
Downtime is essential. But first priority is movement.
Typically I do a big outing in the morning, some quiet time after lunch and another active time late afternoon.
This seems to keep the kids happy and moving, while meeting their needs for quiet time too. This is how to raise active kids.
Get The Stuff
Stuff can get expensive. I shop used and even free for active equipment.
Hockey nets, rollerblades, tennis rackets and the absolute must:
Bicycles.
These don’t need to be new, or even near new.
We have lots of third and fourth hand equipment that is used daily.
Also ask family and friends to keep an eye open for equipment you are looking for. (PS. Anyone have a cheap 14″ bike they don’t need anymore?)
Make It Fun
This is where you need to get creative.
Organized sports and neighborhood kids can make your job easier. So can LeapFrog.
For our Fit Make Fun Party we had the chance to try our the new LeapBand.
These children’s Activity Trackers allow kids to care for their ‘pet’ (which may include a robot) by completing active tasks. During the party, several kids were sharing one watch.
We had a little bit of ‘MINE’ coming from my two year old, but overall a number of kids can work together completing their tasks and getting to new levels.
Talk about staying active and having fun.
Fuel Them
It goes without saying that in order for children to live active lifestyles they need to have proper nutrition.
Eating a variety of foods, with a majority of it being fruits, veggies and protein, is a good way to help ensure your child has the energy they need to keep going.
Clif Bars have great ‘Clif Kids’ Protein Bars that not only taste great, but are also a great source of protein for kids on the go.
I hope these tips will help you keep your little ones moving!
Check out some pictures of our party below.
Thanks to Mommy Parties, LeapFrog and Clif Bars for making our party a success.
These are such great tips… and these LeapBands are a great way to encourage kids to get active in a fun and creative way!
So much fun! Thanks for all the tips! My middle would love something like this and who doesn’t love LeapFrog?
I think leading by example is huge. If your kids see you active, they will want to be active.
These are great tips! If it’s fun, my son doesn’t mind being active!
Anything to get my girls active, I’ll take! This looks like a ton of fun. We love Cliff Bars too!
These are great tips and I’m loving these LeapBands. My son would love something like this. What a fun party!
Leap Frog always comes up with the coolest ideas. This is a great one for little kids!
Love when technology and fitness collide. My kids love their fitbands too!
That last photo is fantastic!
YES! Absolutely lead by example.
Wonderful tips! I wish I had done this when my kids were little. It’s a lot harder when they are teens and don’t want to get off the couch!
Great tips! We did a party too and the boys can’t get enough of their bands!
Great tips! We had this party too and the kids absolutely LOVED it! We had so much active fun and it looks like you guys did too!
This sounds like the cutest little party. Your #1 is so key to the future health of our kids. Great tips to make things fit and fun.
Looks like you had a fun party! We love Clif Bars and the new LeapBands look awesome.
My younger two don’t need any coaxing in the activity department. My eldest, however; he might need a little technology in his life to help him along.
It looks like the Fit Bars were a hit. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
I need to be a better example. Me saying, “Go out and play” isn’t doing anything for their activity level. I think I need the LeapFrog watch for myself.
Great tips, thanks!
I know my kids learn better with a full stomach. Looks like your really liked the Clif Kids! I’ll have to find some and see if my kids like them, too.
What a fun way to get kids active. We are trying to incorporate more outdoor play stuff since school started.
Couldn’t agree more on making it fun. If it’s dull and boring no one not even yourself would want to be active.
Love the tips and never forget beverages, water is very important when kids are active especially out here in the desert. I’ve went on too many “playdates” where the other parent forgot to bring water, thankfully I always had plenty, with 5 kids you tend to bring extra everything. I love the idea of getting everyone together and just letting them have fun on old or new stuff they already have.
What fun! I really think the key to keeping kids active is making it FUN!
Lead by example is my biggest problem. I am always so tired. This is a great list!
Your kids are adorable. Great tips! Thanks for sharing. We always make sure to carry water for hydration wherever we go. We even sneak it in when attending parties if only sugary drinks are offered.
I’m thinking about getting a LeapBand for my 8 y/o son. I always encouraging him to be more active. 🙂
We had a ton of fun at our FitMadeFun party too! I love anything that encourages the kids to get active!
I think it is so important to keep kids active, which is one big reason why we limit tv time. We try to go outside at least one time a day, which also encourages activity. Great post!