Get Up and Play!
I’ll admit: family exercise is easy to talk about. When it comes to doing it… well, that’s a different story. I find in my own household – for myself and my girls – fun is key when it comes to staying active.
That’s the beauty of games and toys – they’re the perfect motivator to turn children on to exercise while turning off the TV. This is why I’m especially excited about today’s article from our new retail partner, GIFT HERO. If there’s one expert in the field of fun, it’s GIFT HERO. Their online store offers up a nearly infinite selection of children’s products sorted conveniently by age and price to make gift-giving easy and affordable. And now GIFT HERO toys are available in our retail boutique at Citibabes SoHo, too!
Stefanie Katz Rothman, co-founder of GIFT HERO, has rounded up some of her favorite toys to get kids’ heart rates up, and their grown-ups’, too; it’s the perfect list of CitiFit must-haves.
So, as the say… let the games begin!
- Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes
I recently read that 40% of NYC schoolchildren, from K through 8th grade, are considered overweight or obese. When broken down by zip code, less affluent areas have the most severe problems, but city-wide, it is still sobering.
With summer over and school in session, kids have far less playtime and we all have to make an effort to keep our kids active.
My son Benjamin, now 6 years old, has always been an active child. He doesn’t like to sit still and his brain is always full of imaginary games he plays alone or engages in with his friends. I can tell when he needs some time to “get his ya yas out” and since he was a baby, we always made time for physical activities. Here are some of our favorite ideas for active play:
Form a Rock Band
Music is a guaranteed way to get kids moving, even for the youngest children. Turn on their (or your) favorite CD, pull out some toy instruments or pots and pans and start playing. You can do this alone with your child or it makes for a very fun play date. This Mini Orchestra Set is ideal for children as young as 6 months.
Race Around the House
Pull out some toy cars, get on your hands and knees and race the cars around the house. Benjamin still does this with his buddies and always breaks out a sweat. Try the Chubbies Bucket. With 15 vehicles, there will be hours of active play.
Bring the Outside Inside
Find a hallway or corner of a room and use it for an indoor version of outdoor favorites. Golf, hopscotch, ring toss – improvise your own with household items or find a soft toy versions that is suitable for indoor use. Try this ring toss game that comes in its own storage case.
By Stefanie Katz Rothman, Co-Founder, GIFT HERO
Look for these and other toys for children birth through 6 years old at the GIFT HERO at Citibabes retail store in NYC! If you live outside the New York area or prefer to shop online, visit www.gifthero.com. Enter the code CITISTORE now through December 31 and receive free shipping on any order!
[...] guest post I wrote earlier this week with ideas for active play for young children. Entitled “Get Up and Play,” it includes my favorite ways to get physical with your [...]
The stats regarding the less affluent areas are particulary saddening. I do hope something happens soon to help them perhaps a program in the public schools would be helpful.