A few weeks back, I had a routine doctor’s appointment. While I was there, he asked me all the standard questions, “Are you a smoker?” NO! ” How often do you drink alcohol?” When do I have the time? & …
“How many days a week do you exercise?”
Me: “I exercise everyday.”
Doc: “What do you do for exercise.”
Me: “I chase a toddler.”
Who needs a gym membership? I have all the workout I need at home. My daughter is my personal trainer. She is my home gym. She has a lot of energy. I mean a lot of energy & if not given an opportunity to unleash that energy, she turns into a surly little girl.
Toddlers need exercise just as much as their mommies and daddies do. What can we do to help keep them active?
Here are a few suggestions…
Take them outside – This is an easy one. Let them run around in the back yard or take them for a ride on their bikes. My daughter loves the outdoors. She will grab her sneakers of the shelf & bring them to me. “Aaa-side, aaa-side”
Visit an indoor play center – These can be a lot of fun. We have a Kidsports less than a mile from our house. It has been a life saver for rainy days. There is an indoor padded playground, climbing walls & an air propelled batting practice.
Get up & dance – My daughter loves music. Mai will leap up and start dancing as soon as the music turns on & not to brag, but she has great rhythm. I see dance recitals in our future.
Visit the zoo, park or a local farm etc.. – Leave the stroller in the car. My daughter loves roaming free. Obviously this is a lot of work for mommy but it is great exercise for the little one & everyone will sleep well that night.
Take a class – Mai takes swimming lessons & will start gymnastics next month. It is not only great exercise, it is wonderful for socializing with her peers. She does not go to daycare, so these classes have been a great way for her to meet other children.
Games & Songs – Games like Red Light, Green light, the Hokey Pokey,Ring Around the Rosey & Hide and Seek are a fun filled way to ensure your spirited toddler is up and moving.
There are many ways to keep your child active. Please feel free to share your stories with us. We always love to hear from you.
Up next…Foam stamps
6 comments
That first picture is amazing! She has some great yoga form. 🙂
She pulls out these crazy yoga poses all the time. She has better form than me.
This is so informative! Nice blog you have here! keep it up!
xx,jaq
http://www.jaquiperez.com
That’s funny, I also get my daily dose of exercise and even more chasing toddlers. They are just full of energy.
My son still crawls, but these are dome great tips for the future! I’ve been to an indoor playground with him and he loved it! i can’t imagine going to the zoo without a stroller though!