Get up and move Mondays

I'd like to use Mondays as a "Get up and move" day. Each Monday I'll offer up a few fun ideas no couch or TV required :)

There's nothing better than enjoying some time with those great kiddos!!!

Being active doesn't mean hiking up hills, running marathons, or even breaking a sweat!

Here's a few fun ideas to keep your mind and body active, while keeping the kids entertained.

- Plant a tree or small garden. Plants and trees help keep us alive. They're also great learning tools for children. Its an important job to keep your plants alive. Children learn that caring for others or other things can have awesome benefits. Watching your plants grow is an amazing reward. Living in an apartment is no excuse to not do this activity!! All you need is a small pot, soil, a sunny window, and water. If you have trouble getting on your knees, or getting up from sitting on the ground, try buying or making a raised flower bed.

-Swimming!! I am an avid swimming supporter. Its amazing for you! Its low impact and works every part of your body. Its a very important skill to have. Even if you aren't a recreational swimmer, teaching your children to swim, float and stay calm in water can be life or death. Most communities have a YMCA/YWCA with a pool. This is a worthwhile investment if you don't have the luxury of rivers and lakes. They also offer scholarships, which can lower your cost to virtually nothing. If you did get a Y membership, they also offer many excellent classes for youth, which I always recommend.

- Trips to the park. Seems easy enough? Encouraging play is vital for children. Their imagination is the best gift they can share with you. It may be difficult for some to actively play, in that event its perfectly acceptable for them to play while you walk around the play area. It should be small enough so you can find a place to rest should you need. This is also the perfect place to meet new friends.

- With summer fast approaching make a plan for a weekend or over night camping trip. All states offer camp sites, some are as low as $5 a night. This is an excellent time to unwind and bond with family. It can be as active or relaxed as you want. We spend at least 3 weekends each month from June to August camping. Camping gear can get spendy, but check yard sales and Craigslist. I got a BRAND new $90 tent last year at a yard sale for $6! Camping does involve sleeping on the ground. I've found sleeping pads and mattresses are essential to a happy camping trip. If sleeping on the ground is a deal breaker pad or not, consider finding a site with yurts or cabins. We stay in a yurt a few days a year for our crabbing trip. They are a little more expensive at approximately $35-$40 a night, but its a good way to still get the camping experience. The backyard camp out is always great too :)

-Make a book! Walk around your yard or park, find leaves, grass, smalls rocks or anything else you can bring home a glue on paper. Have your child write a story about how and where s/he found it, or what he liked about it to make him bring it home. Read his story to him that night for his bedtime story. Letting him be an author is a great way to encourage an interest in reading and writing.