| Summertime is just around the corner and if your | | | | museum or bonfire at the beach. The ideas are |
| kids are not going to camp, its really easy to let | | | | endless but the key is to get out of the house |
| them veg in front of the TV, handheld gaming | | | | and have fun as a family. One great idea is to |
| device and PC for endless hours. Children have | | | | have a pool party for you kids and their friends. |
| become dependent on technology for | | | | This way they can have fun with their friends |
| entertainment. Many kids can't ride their bikes | | | | without technology. |
| around the block without needing a 30 minute | | | | As a parent you should always set an example |
| break! We should worry that kids are losing out | | | | for your child. Therefore you have to be as |
| on the beauty of the outdoors or what it’s | | | | active as you want your children to be. Even if |
| like to have more activity than lifting a TV | | | | this means a short walk after dinner together it |
| remote or typing on a keyboard. | | | | could make all the difference. Teaching your child |
| According to Parentstv.org the average American | | | | a new hobby is a great way to get your kids off |
| child spends almost 30 hours a week watching TV | | | | the couch as well. You can teach them how to |
| and over 54% of children have their own | | | | cook their favorite recipe, knit or sow, ride a |
| television in their room. Another study by the | | | | skate board or scrapbook your favorite family |
| National Youth Prevention Resource Center said | | | | photos. These ideas can be great to grow |
| that over 74% of kids and teens spend at least | | | | stronger bonds within a family while stimulating a |
| one hour a day on video games and 3 hours a | | | | child’s mind without technology. |
| day on the computer/online. These statistics are | | | | Another great idea could be instead of buying |
| staggering when you actually think about them | | | | your kid another DVD or videogame get them |
| for a moment. The majority of a child’s day | | | | something that will help promote activity. A great |
| is spent in front of a screen and even more so | | | | outdoor toy is the Plasma Car. This unique vehicle |
| during the summertime when kids are free for | | | | is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The |
| three whole months. Now there is nothing wrong | | | | Plasma Car uses the natural forces of inertia, |
| with television, computer or video games as long | | | | centrifugal force, gravity, and friction to move. All |
| as they are done in moderation. So how does a | | | | you do is just rotate the steering wheel left and |
| parent get their child off the couch and getting | | | | right and you gain momentum. It’s almost like |
| some physical activity? | | | | a segway for kids. Another great product to help |
| Here are a few helpful tips to unglue your child | | | | kids get active is the California Chariot by Marky |
| from the screen. | | | | Sparky. This product takes the best aspects of |
| First step is to lay down some ground rules for | | | | riding a bike, skateboard and rollerblades and |
| television, video games or internet time. Allow | | | | combines it all in one. The front consists of a bike |
| only a certain amount of hours per day for each | | | | wheel with bike handlebars but the back is two |
| specific one. Moderate a child’s intake of | | | | skateboard like planks that you stand on. This |
| television, computer and internet as well as what | | | | unique product will make any kid want to hope on |
| they are watching and doing. One great way to | | | | and go for a spin! |
| get your kids to be active is to plan family | | | | Hopefully with these tips and these products you |
| outings. You could have an afternoon picnic, a | | | | can help your child put down the remote and |
| hike, a bike ride through the park, a trip to a local | | | | become more active and have fun doing it. |