Search Results for: blog indoor playtime

The Fitness Blog Week in Review for July 7-13

The weeks are flying by this summer, so let’s dive into our review of the fitness blog for the week of July 7 through July 13. Saturday, July 7 We continue our Fitness Journal-Lucky Day? entries by taking a look at a day in the park (well an hour really) designed to exercise and enjoy the weather. In C is for Calorie we examine what a calorie is and why we should care about it. Sunday, July 8 In D is for Dumbbell we look at free weights, the history behind their creation and how they got such an insulting … Continue reading →

Perks of Public Education: O= Outside Playtime

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I have discussed outdated materials as the letter O for concerns of public education. My perk for O is also somewhat of a concern. In this article I will describe how O for outside play can be a perk and a concern varying from school to school. At my school, outside playtime is a perk. Each day the entire student body, except for kindergarten because ours is separate, has a fifteen-minute recess. If the weather is nice the recess is outdoors. If the weather does not allow, the recess is held inside in the classrooms. However, under good weather conditions, … Continue reading →

Build an Indoor Fort

Yes, you can buy indoor tents, castles and forts. These mass-produced nylon edifices can rise up from a crib or bed, often featuring television cartoon characters, or they are simply erected on the floor. They are usually available in the shape of castles, sun domes, etc. But where is the fun in that? Plus, they are often rather costly and frankly there is just no need to throw your money away on such a toy. I guarantee that you have enough materials laying about your home right now to make a stellar fortress/castle/cave/tunnel/igloo/whatever your child wants to pretend it is. … Continue reading →

Frozen Summer Fun

Just when I thought it was safe to turn off our air conditioner, Mother Nature turns up the heat once again. This summer, the temperatures have been so high in our neck of the woods experts have advised remaining indoors in order to avoid potential heat stroke. For parents, the dangerous heat has made playtime a bit more challenging. In our family’s case, it has actually sparked cabin fever—-something we typically deal with in the winter, but certainly not in mid-July. As a result of our forced exile to air conditioned structures, my 7-year-old and I have been getting creative … Continue reading →

Mommy, It’s Cold Outside!

It’s that time of year again, if it hasn’t started snowing, it will soon. Regardless, at least here in Utah it is bitter cold outside, causing our little ones to bring playtime back inside. It’s time to remind them that there is more to do indoors than to just plop in front of the TV all day. Sit down with your kids and get the creative juices flowing. If you’re having trouble, here are some fun indoor activities to keep your kids occupied while they are cooped up inside this winter. Bowling Night! Empty water bottles make great bowling pins. … Continue reading →

Masterly Inactivity: Go Play!

The demands placed on children today to learn and perform can cause quite a bit of stress. While I encourage a challenging environment and think nothing ill of competition, especially when engaged with oneself, there is a time to play. Children learn through play and express what they have learned through play. Masterly inactivity is when a parent steps back and allows the child the freedom to play within boundaries. Every mom needs time to relax and step out of the front of the classroom as much as every child needs time to play. What is Masterly Inactivity? Masterly inactivity … Continue reading →

Why The YMCA?

With 2008 fresh upon us, it’s important to look at all the fitness options available to you and your family. I know a lot of families, though, that are looking for great fitness options at a great fitness price and it’s not always easy to afford the fees at some gyms. (I know one that charges $125 a month for one person, it is closer to $200 for two people and you’re looking at $250 to $300 for a family membership.) So What Do We Do? I like working out in gyms, but I prefer to work out at home. … Continue reading →

Heat Affects Schools

The heat and dryness in the southern United States has caused quite a concern during these past summer months. Crops, flowers, and gardens have been dying out early and blistering in the sun. Wells have been going dry and people are encouraged to conserve city water. Tennessee, among other states, has seen records highest for heat and record lows for rain. Temperatures have reached as high as 110 degrees with the heat index being higher. The summer vacation seemed mainly mild. The heat wave occurred just as schools were getting back in session. While in most cases the children are … Continue reading →

Five Cool Ways to Beat the Heat!

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Boy-o-boy is it hot here on the East Coast and I see that the rest of the country is also baking under the summer sun. Oppressive heat is just no fun at all for families, as being outside for long stretches becomes increasing difficult and kids wear themselves out more easily so extended sightseeing or playtime itineraries are nearly impossible to manage. It is important then to find fun things to do with your kids while staying cool. Here are five tips for having fun beating the summer heat as a family. Play in a sprinkler. Sprinklers are cheap, easy … Continue reading →

Safety Issues That Parents Don’t Always Think About

It’s amazing how much time we can spend on securing our homes with alarms and baby proofing devices to keep them out of cupboards and from drawers, but there are other areas of safety that may not even occur to us until after something happens. Since we’d like to avoid the something happening possibility – here are some suggestions for maintaining safety both in and out of the home. Do Not Let Your Toddler Play Outside Alone This one seems like a no-brainer, but even if your toddler is asleep in their stroller, don’t dart into the house without them … Continue reading →