News Taffy

Doing something active together is a great way to bond as a family. Young kids especially love their parents to get involved in active play time but even teens can get into some of these suggestions. You’ll be teaching the kids that exercise is fun and setting a lifetime habit, not to mention creating awesome memories. So what are some fun ways to play together?

Go on a hike. I don’t mean a strenuous hike over rough terrain with backpacks and tents. Just take a day and head to a local state park with the kids, dog and camera. Dress for the weather with good shoes, snacks, bug spray, water and a picnic lunch. Be on the lookout for animals, flowers and fish. Don’t wait for warm weather, but do avoid the rain.

Go bowling. Pick a time when it’s not crowded or the weather is too bad to be outside. We are not avid bowlers but have had plenty of good times laughing at one another.

Declare a sports day and head outside for family basketball, baseball, frisbee, lawn darts, water gun battles, hula hoop contests, you name it. You don’t have to follow the rules since you won’t have enough people for regulation teams and if tempers flare, change to something else. At the end of the day, cook out.

If the weather is really nasty or it’s night, stay inside with the Wii and try Just Dance or any other active games. Make it boys against the girls or parents against the children.

When the weather is warm, head to a pool and actually get in the water with your kids and play. No sitting on a lounge chair while the kids swim; challenge them to a race or show off your cannonball.

Play putt putt. Even if you are a “real” golfer, an afternoon of putt putt with the kids could be your best game ever. You may find the kids are better putters than you are! Try tennis or badminton too.

Have a family work day outside. That garage is a mess or there are leaves to be raked. Kids need to learn basic home keeping skills and they often enjoy working with their parents, believe it or not. Give everyone a job according to their age, and reward the workers with dinner and ice cream out for a job well done.

Plant flowers or vegetables together. Once again, kids need to learn various life skills and what is better than playing in the dirt? Everyone is rewarded by beautiful flowers and watching the plants grow.

Teach the kids to dance and let them show you a few moves too. Young men should learn how to lead and everyone needs to learn to slow dance. If you still know the Hustle or how to do the Macarena, have at it!

Snow days are the best days of all! Don’t sit in the house, get outside and make snowmen, have a big snowball fight and best of all, go sledding! Yes, I’m 50 but I’m still hoping for a good snow so I can go sledding. Just make sure to have plenty of hot chocolate on hand.

Until next time,
Lisa