Get Some Get Up and Go |
One potato, two potato, three potato, four .... does this sound like your family? Has their get up and go, got up and went? It's been a long, cold, winter and for many Canadians it's taken its toll on the whole family. Cooped up inside for long periods of time is not healthy for any age group, especially children. Over the past two decades children have become less and less fit. Our technology-based society has helped create a nation of couch potatoes. Here are some of the best excuses (with rebuttals) your crew may come up with in order to stay firmly planted on the couch.
- When they say - "It's
too cold to go outside!"
You say - "It may be cold outside but if we dress properly and keep ourselves busy we'll stay warm." By dressing appropriately, --layers work best for outdoor activities -- the whole family can enjoy the great outdoors. Decide on an activity that everyone likes and make a day of it. Try tobogganing, skating, skiing or build a snowman together. - When they say - "There's
nothing to do!"
You say - "Why don't we take a day trip." Pack up the gang and visit a local exhibit or gallery. There's something for everyone, from art, to bug collecting, hockey to science stuff. You can all stay cozy and warm inside, while getting the benefits of strolling through the displays and exhibits. - When they say - "I'm
bored."
You say - "Let's go explore the neighbourhood." Take a walking trip through your own neighbourhood. Bundle up and see how nature has added its own special winter touch to your community. While you're out, visit your local park and be sure to take along some bread crumbs for the birds. A brisk walk in the sunshine is good for the heart and the spirit too. - When they say - "I'm
surfing the Net."
You say - "Log off and let's spend some time together." Experts agree that kids are spending more and more time surfing the Web. But kids aren't the only ones, if your family's a house full of computer nerds maybe it's time you all got up and did some physical activities. Set a good example by turning off your computer and get moving, the kids will follow your lead. - When they say - "I'm
watching TV"
You say - "Television time is off limits to all of us." The one-eyed monster has a way of taking over the whole family. One way to get the jump on the boob-tube is to have a backup plan. Instead of everyone flopping in front of the TV after dinner, get moving. Try turning on the radio and dancing together. Kids love this kind of spontaneous fun and the aerobic workout is good for everyone. - When they say - "I'm
too tired"
You say - "Exercise and eating well are the best ways to increase energy. Children who don't eat a proper diet and get enough exercise have lower energy levels. Set a good example by giving your family a well balanced diet that includes the four basic food groups. Keep the kids away from fatty, sugary, foods that are empty calories. - When they say - "It's
too cold to go for a walk"
You say - "Why don't we head for the mall and do some indoor walking? If you can't stay outside, why not walk inside? Spend a winter afternoon or evening window shopping in the mall. Leave your coats, boots and gloves in a locker, and wonder through your favourite shops, while getting some low impact exercise. - When they say - "I'm sick of winter"
You say - "How about going for a swim or mini-golf?" Many local recreation centres offer public swimming all year around. Or hit the greens at an indoor mini-golf course. Whatever you decide turn it into a "summer" activity by taking along some summer clothing to wear indoors and don't forget the sunglasses and lotion. - When they say - "Can't
I just hangout?"
You say - "Let's do something as a family." Hold a family meeting and vote on a number of physical activities that most interest your family. For example, if your son enjoys hockey, sharpen all your skates and get a family game going. Or if your daughter likes soccer, turn your backyard into a winter soccer field, complete with nets.
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