Search Results for: blog your playground routine

Building Your Toddler’s Vocabulary

The other day while we were at the playground, Dylan and I received a wonderful compliment. A woman who was playing with her little girl on the swing next to the swing where I was playing with Dylan remarked that he seemed to have quite a large vocabulary for someone who is two and a half years old. The woman is a day care provider, so she has a lot of experience with toddler talk. Her comment is very meaningful to me because I feel that one of the most important things that I can do for Dylan is to … Continue reading →

Rock Your Routine With These Boredom Busters

Last month, I discussed the importance of routines for toddlers and their parents. In that same post, I mentioned that within the structure of your days there is plenty of room for freedom. It is important that we as parents make good use of that freedom both for ourselves and for our children so that none of us get bored. What kinds of things can you do in those spaces between your regular daily activities? The list is as limitless as your imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Grab an empty dish pan, some dish soap, … Continue reading →

Post-Baby Fitness On the Playground!

Today, my daughter and I went to the playground. As I bounced on one of the pieces of equipment with her, I realized that I was getting a decent core workout, as long as I structured it right. Exercise was critical to me when my daughter was a baby. It was a way to get out of the house, and it was a way to model good behavior and self-care. When my health was nasty and my sleep was even worse, exercise became a way to tell myself that I was doing something to take care of my body, and … Continue reading →

Simple Ways to Say “Thanks” With Your Preschooler This Thanksgiving

I work with small children. One of the few ideals that I brought into my life as a parent was that I wanted to have a child who would be polite. Of course, like all of my parenting ideals, that one is regularly crushed when my child loudly announces at the playground, “I want that swing! I don’t want you to be on that swing! Get off the swing!” Ah, four-year-olds. However, through interminable repetition, I do seem to have a child who says please and thank you. Please and thank you are very important in our house. So when … Continue reading →

Motivating Your Kids to Move

These days that might be tougher than finding a TV commercial that’s not politically motivated. For millions of kids the idea of putting down video game controls and picking up a bike to ride is a foreign concept. This, despite the fact that the federal government recently announced new fitness recommendations for all Americans. The guidelines stipulate at least 60 minutes a day of moderate or vigorous activity for children ages 6 to 17. Federal officials also noted that parents should be creating opportunities for their children to be physically active and encouraging them to consistently participate in those activities. … Continue reading →

Wear Your Glasses!

I was eight years old when I got my first pair of glasses — and I’ve been wearing them every day since then. At first, I hated them. They itched my nose. They felt weird on my ears. I took them off every chance I got — for example I wouldn’t wear them out onto the playground for recess. But one day I was playing outside and noticed how clear everything looked. I had forgotten to take my glasses off! That’s when I realized how helpful they are. If your child is fighting against the idea of glasses, here are … Continue reading →

Playground Safety Tips

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With summer come more frequent trips to the playground. Unfortunately, accidents can and will happen, if you’re not careful. So before you head out the door, keep these simple rules in mind. (1) Make sure the equipment is appropriate for your child’s age and height. Ideally, the playground should have areas set aside for little ones and one for older kids. This assures the babies won’t get hurt by the antics of the older kids. I have noticed that at several of the park playgrounds I have taken Tyler to many older kids use the equipment especially the swings. And … Continue reading →

Supplementing Your Day to Day Activities

We talk about the need to exercise 30 to 45 minutes at least three times a week. Ideally, if you could work out 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week, you’d be in peak condition in no time. But since people have trouble finding time to exercise – trust me, I know the feeling – there are other things you can do to help supplement your physical activity. Overcoming Tired Sometimes I feel like I’m too tired to work out. I may not have gotten a lot of sleep the night before. I might have gotten interrupted before I … Continue reading →

The Fitness Blog Week in Review June 9 – June 15

It’s been a long week here, my daughter got over a bad bout with a fever last week and I’ve spent most of the week trying not to come down with it myself. Unfortunately, I haven’t been very successful. Let’s take a good look at the week in review before I take a day of ease on Saturday. Saturday, June 9 Hot summer days are not always conducive to outdoor exercise. When temperatures cruise upwards of 95 degrees, it may be time to investigate Indoor Workouts. Sunday, June 10 Does School-Based Fitness Fade Over the Summer? There is some speculation … Continue reading →

Your Playground Routine

Are you heading to the park with your kids today? It’s warm outside and kids love summer time to get outside and run, play and go nuts. If you live in a really hot state like Texas (hey there), then heading to the park in the morning means you get to enjoy the outdoors, getting the kids some physical activity and giving you an opportunity for a tough, 10 minute workout that won’t cost you a thing and can supercharge your whole day. Your Workout So, while you’re at the park this morning, here’s a workout for you to really … Continue reading →