Helping kids get their Exercise
Creating healthier children is simply a matter of changing some habits. We can teach our children healthier ways while not even letting them know we are doing it! A child can be exercising, and enjoy it!
The same applies to educating them. If a toy is fun, and the child can learn at the same time, it doesn't have to be hooked up to the television in order to entertain the kids!
I'm old school, so for me, with my Grand Children, it is a matter of "back to basics", which is fun, because it allows me to share with them some things I enjoyed as a child!
Make Learning and Exercise Fun
Education doesn't have to mean "School" and Exercise doesn't have to mean boring
Whenever people hear the words "learning" or "teaching", what first comes to mind is "school". It doesn't have to be that way!From the time they are born, children are learning. They learn from what they see, hear, touch, and smell. They learn from intercommunication. Children are like sponges, and can absorb much more than we give them credit for.
In my opinion, television is one tool Parents and Grand Parents over-utilize. It CAN be a great learning tool, but what are they learning? Also, if they are in front of the television, how much exercise are they getting in?
Balance is the key. If you can combine exercise and learning, that's the best. If not, then balance the two accordingly.
Baby Fun and Learning

Babies are eager to learn, and eager to explore. You don't have to coax babies into moving at all! The closer they grown into toddler-hood and child-hood, the more they move! Start them out with learning and exercise before they can venture too far! For Babies, Hand-Eye coordination is important, so puzzles
Fun for the Toddler and young Child
Toddlers, too, are active and eager to learn. There are so many options available to help. Toddlers can be really fun to play with. It is so refreshing to see them discover new things.Power wheels may be all the rage, but have you considered Pedal Cars?
They still have their own shiny set of wheels, but they are getting some exercise as well! No expensive batteries to buy. Whenever the kids feel like riding, it's ready!
We used to call them "Sit and Spins" but now they are called Spin Around. Same thing! You can find them at back to basics, in fact; Shop at Back to Basics Toys for unique kid's games and puzzles
For learning fun let them experience Lincoln Logs
Busy Box Toddler Activity Toy by IQ Baby
Of course, not everything has to cost money. My Toddler Grand Daughter's favorite thing to do is put anything, into anything else! She takes the empty baby wipe containers and fills them with all sorts of treasures! I figure this is a good time to teach her organization. Her little barrettes go into one container, and the tiny toys go into another. Then, I take pictures of what is inside, and tape or glue the picture on the outside!
When Children get to be about 3 or 4, you can teach them about sound, and music. Take an old paper towel roll and cover one side securely with paper, or cloth. Put some rice inside the tube, about 1/3 full or a little less. Now cover the other side of the tube securely, and watch your child or grand child have a blast shaking it! They can even dance to it.
Learning and Exercise for School Age Children
Getting a little more difficult now
After Children start school is when they start to overuse the Television, and computer. This is when both devices should include some education. It is at this time that kids start getting less exercise as well.If your children walk to and from school, there is less need to worry about exercise. If your child gets a ride to and from school, make sure they get at least a little activity in every day. Getting into the habit of plopping down in front of the T.V. is not good.
A Family night should be started now, if you haven't started one already. Play some board games, word games, whatever your family enjoys. Monopoly, Boggle, Connect four, and some of the newer trivia games are good for a start.
Which game would you choose?
Board Game, computer game, activity game, or another type of game? Tell us which you would choose, or add your own and vote!
Trouble Board Game
It's the classic race-and-chase game with the Popo more...0 points
Melissa and Doug Flower Dry-Erase Board
Have fun decorating this dry-erase board with alph more...0 points
Hoyle Puzzle & Board Games 2009
There's something for everyone with HOYLE Puzzle G more...0 points
Who What Where Jr. Game
is a drawing game for kids. To play, sketch the fu more...0 points
ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr.
I use this game a LOT with the children I work wit more...0 points
An idea for some Activity
Exercise
Airzone 38-Inch Mini Band Trampoline
Amazon Price: $43.93 (as of 07/06/2009)![]()
During winter months many kids aren't able to get outside much. Keep them active with one thing all kids seem to enjoy!
Reader Feedback
beeobrien wrote...
We've done family night since the kids were tiny. Nice lens.
debnet wrote...
Another great lens! Please submit it to my Emotional Wellbeing Group!!!
ebay-grandma wrote...
Someone after my own heart. Kids need exercise and ways to be creative - no just computers and video games. *****
by vbright105


I'm Veronica, and I live in Nebraska. I am now a "Giant Squid 100"! My Favorite topics are Native American Topics, The Paranormal, Recipes, and... (more)

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