What are the Best Ideas to get Kids to Exercise

 How to Get Your Kids Interested in Exercise

Nowadays, with all of the video games and gadgets available, it’s difficult to get kids to put away their screens and try something active. This has led to a huge rise in childhood obesity and health problems related to sedentary behavior. As a parent, you want your child to be as happy and healthy as possible, so how can you encourage them to become more interested in exercise rather than playing video games or watching TV? Here are some of the best ideas to get kids to exercise to give you inspiration.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Photo by Hunter Johnson on Unsplash

Ways to get Children to Exercise:

Try out a sport

If your child finds exercise ‘boring,’ then maybe they just haven’t found a sport they like yet. Sports are both lots of fun and a great way to burn extra calories, and team sports can also teach your child vital life skills like teamwork and cooperation. 

Volleyball is a fantastic, fast-paced sport that your kids will love. If you buy volleyball equipment to play this sport at home, then you’ll need to make sure you look after it so it doesn’t get damaged. In particular, volleyball ball pumps are essential for keeping the ball in perfect condition.

Go to after-school clubs

If you don’t have the space or equipment for your kids to play sports at home, then you can sign them up for after-school sports clubs instead. These clubs will have much better facilities and will be able to teach your child more about the sport, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, your child will participate with other children at these clubs, which will help them make new friends and learn how to collaborate.

Walk to school

A small change you could make to your child’s routine is walking them to school instead of driving them there (or letting them walk alone if they’re old enough). This will get them used to moving more and will reduce their total amount of sedentary behavior. 

Try sports and dance games

A fun family activity that’ll get you all moving is sports or dance games. Although video games often reduce your child’s activity levels, these games actually make them get up and move around in order to win. Games like Just Dance are also extremely fun and competitive - you’ll be having as much fun and getting as much exercise as the kids!

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Ask them what activities they like

Most importantly, you can’t get your kids interested in exercise if you don’t listen to what they’d like to do. Forcing them to take part in sports and activities they hate will only make them resent exercise. For example, you may find out that your child prefers competitive team sports, solitary sports like running, or simply going for long walks. You may also find that your child isn’t very interested in sports but loves creative activities like dance. Try out a variety of activities to see what works for them.

Once you’ve found a form of exercise that your child enjoys, it’ll be so much easier to establish healthy habits and avoid harmful sedentary behaviors. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy the ride!

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How To Be a Cool Aunt or Uncle

Are you a cool uncle or aunt?

Whether or not you have your own children, being an uncle or aunt is a different experience. Because the parenting duties don’t fall on you, you get to be the cool relative! Here are some tips so your nephews will be in awe of you, and you'll know how to be a cool uncle or aunt!

Gift buying

Gift buying can be difficult, but with the guide on Wicked Uncle, you can find fun toys for your nephew. They simplify gift buying for all age groups. For 0-3, they have suggestions such as the Pull Back Town Vehicles or the Amphibious Remote-Control Car. For older children, their suggestions include Interactive Glow T-shirts and the Bean Boozled Jellybean Challenge. Whatever you decide on is almost certain to gain you the title of favorite aunt or uncle.

Give your Nephew experiences he will cherish

Although many adults look back fondly at memories of their childhood toys, experiences can create happy memories too.

These could be anything from fun days out, such as a local farm or a theme park, a visit to their favorite park with ice cream afterward, an activity such as Segway, or you could join the family on their next vacation. This lets you spend time with your nephew and your sibling and their family while being part of memories your nephew will have when he looks back on family vacations.

Act like a kid sometimes

As an aunt or uncle, you can be relaxed. So, you get to be a little childish sometimes. If your nephew is having a fun dress up party, you can dress in a silly outfit, and perhaps even save money for his parents by being a clown or magician. You don’t need any special skills, and if you get everything wrong, that could be part of your act. Remember, you're the cool uncle!

Alternatively, something simple like a trip to the park could make you more popular with your nephew. You can make playing on the slide or swinging from a climbing frame more fun by joining in. You get to have fun and be a big kid, and he'll think you’re a fun uncle = cool uncle!

Stay up to date with trends

By keeping up to date with the latest trends for boys his age, you will be able to talk about things he enjoys. This could be anything from the latest TV show, band or singer, or a recent video game that everyone his age is talking about. If your nephew is into video games, you could ask to play against him on one of his favorite games. If you’re not great at these games, it doesn’t matter, because he'll be happy to win against you.

Also, just by talking to him, you can find out what he’s interested in, then either ask him more about it or research it later and be able to talk about his interests in detail. He'll like that you understand him.

Being a cool aunt or uncle doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be lots of fun and help you recapture some of your own childhood. So, get out the and be the fun uncle!

 

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-Guest Post

7 Winter and Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Simple Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Winter is here! Oh, and Christmas is also just around the corner! Not only do kids love this time of year, but so adults do too! Even the most mature people in society can’t help but get a little giddy when it’s snowing outside and the bells are ringing! Christmas brings out everyone’s inner child. Of course, winter means it’s time for fun, family, holiday activities and lots of them! Read on for 7 simple winter and Christmas activities to do with your kids.

Seven Simple Activities to do with Kids during Winter Season

There's no need to spend a lot of money or stress over making glorious holiday decorations and delectable cookies to achieve the perfect Christmas with kids. Simple winter and holiday activities make the best, long lasting memories. Why not start a new family Christmas tradition with these simple activities for family time with the kids.

1. Decorate your whole house with fancy lights

Winter isn’t the holiday season without fancy lights. 

From the colorful to the vibrant, get creative and beautiful LED fairy lights to your favorite rooms. Make sure to get the kids involved by allowing them to have input on which lights go in which location. LED lights don't get hot like those old fashioned Christmas lights so go crazy this year!

To get some amazing Christmas lights, as well as other cool bulbs and lamps, go to powerpointelectrics.co.uk. Be a clever mom or dad by ordering your lights now before it’s too late! The more lights, the merrier the holiday season. Your kids will treasure this family tradition, so go make it a thing!

2. Spend a day at your local slopes

Fingers crossed; it’s going to snow this winter! When it does, the entire family should wrap up nice and warm and head down to your local slopes. They’ll probably be lots of other families and kids there, too, which will make the occasion extra memorable. In Indiana, you can also do some stellar snow toboggan sledding at Pokagon State Park.

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3. Create paper snowflakes

Kids love to get creative during winter and Christmas time. A great winter holiday activity idea is to create snowflakes out of paper. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from Martha Stewart. Make sure to carefully guide your kids through the steps, and don’t forget to be extra careful with sharp scissors! Once you’ve created your paper snowflakes, scatter them around your home for a special winter holiday decoration.

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4. Read Christmas stories

It's impossible to count the abundance of classic Christmas stories. So, this winter, give your kids freedom of choice when it comes to which stories they want to hear. Maybe it will be The Polar Express, or – wait for it - How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Click here for some great holiday books for kids that you may not of yet read!

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5. Go on a Netflix marathon with the family!

Usually, the weather is freezing cold during the winter months in Indiana. Of course, this means that a lot of time is spent indoors (preferably with marshmallow.)

When your family is relaxing around the house during the holiday, load up Netflix and go on a movie-watching marathon! Elf, anyone? If you need extra help, here are 37 of the best Christmas movies for kids available on Netflix. 

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6. Have a cozy fire in your backyard

Bonfires don't have to be just for fall! If you have a nice spacious backyard, you should have a cozy (and safe) fire. You’ll even be able to toast some marshmallows, have some hot chocolate, and tell your best Christmas stories. While you're at it, make some savory s'mores!

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7. Build igloos and snow forts

When it snows, it’s only right that the entire family has a huge snowball fight! When you do, make sure to build some igloos and forts to make it extra exciting. You can even make indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight!

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Trip to Sheffield with Family

Visiting Sheffield With Your Kids

Thinking of traveling outside the United States? If you're looking for places to visit in the UK with family, Sheffield is a great option. In Sheffield, there are numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children and families. We've highlighted a few to help you plan your visit to Sheffield.

Kids of all ages are offered a wide range of fun activities and hands-on learning experiences at Sheffield's museums. At places like Kelham Island Museum, families can learn about the city's history via interactive displays. If you head a little out of town, you can also find animals, birds, reptiles, and insects from around the world. Families will enjoy an excursion to Sheffeld.

Cafes offering snacks and sandwiches at city parks and gardens and in most museums are family-friendly. Except for some, not all restaurants and bars in the city are family-friendly. Seen below, children will enjoy a trip to Our Cow Molly, Dairy Desserts.

Many people are choosing Sheffield as an excellent place to raise children and settle down. Many foreigners to the UK also prefer Sheffield to settle down. If this sounds like something you may want to do in the future, you should contact immigration lawyers in Sheffield and get started on the immigration paperwork and application process. The UK is very welcoming to highly skilled professionals and families.

Fun Facts about Sheffield:

• Sandygate Stadium is the world's oldest football ground in Sheffield. Sheffield Hallam FC owns the land.

• Sheffield is said to be the greenest city in Europe because of the numerous parks and greenspaces in the Sheffield.

• Every year, the World Snooker Championships take place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

• Sheffield United's stadium located at Bramall Lane was actually a cricket ground.

• Helen Sharman (a Chemist from Sheffield) was the first British astronaut sent into space.

As you can see, Sheffield has a rich history and plenty of green spaces where you can find many activities and places to explore with your kids.

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The Rivelin River

The Rivelin River is historic and has an excellent pathway to take a walk with your child. You can follow a trail that leads to old mills. There is a water park near the café to have some fun. Herons and other wildlife can be sighted here.

The Botanical Gardens

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are very well-manicured green parks. The 19-acre Sheffield Botanical Gardens are home to more than 5,000 different species of plants. It's easy to roam around with your children and babies as the paths are made of tarmac, making it easy to operate a pram. Admission to the Botanical gardens is free, and you can also relax at the café once you're tired. The best times to visit are spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. 

The Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens is a tropical oasis situated in Sheffield city centre. This Garden is amongst the largest temperate greenhouse in the country and is home to nearly 2,500 plant species. You can enjoy nature while your kids can safely walk the paths around the tropical trees.

Weston Park Museum

Weston Park Museum can teach you about culture and history. Founded in 1875, the main collections in this museum are free, and the displays are spectacular. There is a gallery that displays facts about Ancient Egypt. The Weston Park Museum is also known for being the home to Sheffield's social and natural history and archaeology. 

Some of the notable highlights in this museum are the Bronze Age armor and art. Apart from this, you can also visit exhibits from other more prominent museums in the area. The museum has many guided tours to help your family understand the historical importance. 

Weston Park 

Weston Park is in the vicinity of Weston Park Museum. You can relax while your kid runs around in the park. It is a perfect place to have a post museum picnic.

Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife & Falconry Centre

The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife & Falconry Centre houses a vast array of free-flying birds of prey, owls, reptiles, parrots, meerkats, farm animals, lemurs, and more. While the name does signify butterflies, you can also see the incredible falconry. Animal lovers can learn about otters (from the keepers), feed farm animals, pet a few lemurs, see the meerkats, and photograph as many butterflies as you want. 

National Emergency Services Museum

Sheffield is home to the National Emergency Service Museum – the largest of its kind in the world. There are more than 50 vintage vehicles – police cars, fire engines, and ambulances with uniforms and gear and equipment for different eras. Families with kids can also avail the kids' fire engine rides (included in the ticket admission). If you're in the mood for a treat, you can also rent some of the vintage vehicles and take a tour of the city.

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How to Renovate a Nursery for First Time Parents

How do you Plan a Nursery?

The prospect of becoming a first-time parent is an equally daunting and exciting journey. There are many things that need to be done in preparation for your baby’s arrival, and for first-time parents, the list can often seem never-ending and overwhelming. Wondering how do you plan a nursery? A key task within that list is decorating the nursery, and organizing a space for the newest member of the family. Although it’s a joyous project, there are various factors and small details that are required to create the perfect nursery for your baby. Here at We Buy Any Home we’ve composed a guide on how to renovate a nursery for first time parents, along with things to include and some helpful tips. This article is written by Holly Herbert.

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Planning a Nursery Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1- Make A Plan:

It’s no question that preparing for the arrival of the baby takes planning, and planning the nursery is no exception. Your nursery will serve as a multi-functional room, not only will it be the place where your baby will eventually sleep, but it's where you will dress them, change, teach and feed them. Ensuring you have an in-depth plan is a great way to make sure you have everything you need and no little detail is missing.

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Step 2- Cleaning and Maintenance:

It’s vital that you ensure your future nursery is pristine before you begin to think about decorating. Babies are incredibly susceptible to germs that arise through dust, pet hair and mold, so it's important that you spend a good amount of time cleaning all surface areas. However, try to refrain from using harsh chemicals when cleaning as the fumes can linger in the air and be toxic if inhaled by your baby. 

It’s important to consider the smaller factors about the room. Are there drafty windows? Is the main light overbearing? Do the door hinges creak? All these small maintenance checks need to be fixed prior to the arrival of your baby, as you want them to have the most comfortable time in their nursery.

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Step 3- Themes and Painting:

Once you have decided where you are going to put the nursery, then it's time to get creative. If you're thinking about painting then your options are limitless. Traditional colors are usually pink and blue, however neutral color palettes are becoming increasingly popular for a minimalist feel to the room. If you're thinking of being extra creative then you may want to consider going with a theme or perhaps a mural wall. A side note- if you opt to paint the nursery, make sure you buy a non-toxic paint that won't flake.

Don’t forget to decorate the ceiling too. Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, so why not give them a feature to look at. Consider adding a ceiling mural or a soothing color to enhance your nursery.

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Step 4- A Focal Furniture Piece:

Most nurseries are centered around a focal piece of furniture such as a crib, but there are other options to choose from. A painted dresser can work well, or a large window or alcove. A small checklist of essential nursery items includes:

•  A cot (mattress and sheets too!)

• Changing table or mat.

• Nursing station.

• Storage for things like clothes and nappies (bibs.)

• Feeding chair.

A helpful tip is to ensure that everything is in reach of the changing table- including wipes, changing table covers, diaper disposal system, laundry hamper and a pacifier. This will allow you to reach for things with ease, avoid stress but more most importantly, keep your eye on your baby at all times. 

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Step 5- Don’t Forget About Flooring:

As your baby grows, you will notice that they will begin to spend more time on the floor- therefore it's an important factor to consider before they get to that stage. If you’re opting to lay down a carpet, ensure it’s a shade that won't highlight stains and spills.  Wooden floors are a popular choice, and you can put down a rug to add a pop of color and cushion any tumbles.

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Step 6- Sentiment:

This is your baby’s first room, so don’t forget to make it feel like home. Including items of sentiment for example, family photos, generational gifts such as soft toys and blankets are a neat touch to completing your nursery.

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