Getting the Couch Tots Up Off Their Perch

Experts recommend that kids get no more than two hours per day of “screen time” (tv, computer, and/or video games).  Most kids, however, average more than 4 hours a day.

Below are tips from the American Heart Association to get your kid(s) up and moving.  Couch tots grow up to be couch potatoes, and neither are particularly healthy as a result.

1. Suggest and Offer alternative activities.  Have a “Family Game Night,” shoot some hoops, go for walks, or visit a nearby park.
2. Become active with your kids.  Play with them rather than just watch them!
3. Don’t position your furniture so that the TV is the main focus of the room.
4. Remove TVs from bedrooms.
5. Plan TV watching in advance. Go through the TV guide ahead of time and pick the shows you’ll watch. When the show’s off, turn the TV off.

I love the one about playing with your kids.  I’ve had some of my best times in trees, on swings, and inside blanket tents.   One thing I would suggest is this:  If your child already has a certain number of shows that he/she watches faithfully - it may not be what the experts suggest, but I’d suggest not rocking the boat. Instead, how about buying a stationary bike or treadmill and tell them that (in an effort to make the family healthier) you want everyone to exercise at least 30 minutes everyday. Place it right in front of the television!  Then you can suggest that they do it during a favorite show.  Before you know it, they’ll be hopping on and working out throughout the day - and getting more and more all important exercise.  If you try to take a show away from someone who watches it and enjoys it, I think you’d just be asking for a battle.  For one thing, you’ll look like a meanie!  For another, it’ll give them a negative opinion at what you’re trying to accomplish, which is more activity.  You want the activity to be fun and positive, you don’t want it (or yourself!) to be the enemy.  Just think how you’d feel if someone told you, even if it were for your own good, that you couldn’t watch Ace Of Cakes, Sportscenter, or Survivor ever again. 

If a treadmill or stationary bike is out of reach (I understand the whole out of reach thing as much as anyone.) - an exercise mat, a few dumbbells, and/or an exercise ball can also do wonders. 

Zoos are another fun way to get your kids, and yourself, out and about.  If you’re lucky enough to live near one, you should become a familiar face to the monkeys, tigers, lions, bears, and even the reptiles.