Active gifts for healthier, happier kids

When I think of my childhood, most memories come from being outdoors, running, riding a bike, climbing, catching waves and playing soccer. I hope that my kids have the same fond memories when they grow up, but oh boy, it seems like it’s a lot harder these days with kids not running around enough!!

Indeed, less than 20% of our kids between 5 and 17 yo exercise 60 minutes a day (as recommended by the Department of Health). That partially explains why over 20% of Australian children are overweight or obese. In addition to poor diets, many of our kids spend too much time sitting around or laying on the couch.

How can this be possible in a country blessed with plenty of sunshine, mild winters and an abundance of natural parks, playgrounds and beaches?

Blame it on the busy parents. Blame it on the overweight parents. Blame it on the overload of homework from schools. Blame it on the government. Blame it on the kids who only exercised when ‘forced’ by parents. Blame on the frantic and technology-centric times we are living in.

Enough of the blame game. The truth is that we all have our share of responsibility – unintentionally in most cases – for our kids not be as active as perhaps they should. While it’s hard for us parents to make sure they are getting their prescribed daily dose of exercise, surely we can encourage our children to be as active as possible.

So what activities can we encourage, or in some cases pay for, to get our little ones to grow healthier and happier – physically, mentally and socially?

Here is a list of some of my favourite ‘active’ gifts that can help kids burn more calories at or near home without requiring drastic changes to parents’ routines:

Trampoline: costs vary from $100 (small ones that can be used indoors) to over $3,000 (family-size for those with a backyard). This is one of the best ways to exercise regardless of age. The metabolic nature of rebounding on a trampoline makes it a great way to lose weight and remove toxins from kids’ bodies – so they can do their morning cleansing at home without the need for a veggie juice!! Rebounding also helps the immune system, improves balance/posture and strengthens bone density. It’s low impact, high enjoyment for both kids and adults.

Sports Ball: Sounds bland? Granted, balls are mentioned in almost every list of gifts for a child. But it’s the simplicity, non-frizz, multi-use nature of playing with a ball that makes it a must in every household. Any stretch of grass provides enough room for a game of basketball or soccer.

Jump Skip Ball and Hulahoop: These are affordable, fun gifts (starting at $10) that help coordination and balance while keeping kids active and entertained for precious minutes.

Pogo stick: Starting from $15 at Target to over $500 for the ultra-cool air-powered VurtegoV4, pogo sticks are perennial favourites among kids. I still remember how much fun it was to jump around the garage, backyard, house or go around the block. It’s a full on exercise (higher jumps = more calories!) which help balance, muscle building and core support.

Tricycle & Bicycle: I’m referring to small-sized models when the kids are not old enough to go out riding on their own. These are super fun ways for kids to work on different muscles in their small bodies and have fun in their apartments or houses. Yeap, casualties include scratches on the walls and floors, but that comes with the package called ‘having kids’.

In addition to these active gifts, there are lots of free games like hide and seek or dancing chairs that are great exercises. These  games are great for parents to get involved and spend 15-30minutes of their time (a scarce commodity for most parents) with their kids a couple of times a week. Or just pump up your favourite songs and get dancing. You will be surprised how relaxing it can be after a day in the office. Your children will love that and you will create fun family memories too.  For other free & fun games to get your kids off the couch, check out this article from parenting.com.

And that’s it. With the help of one or 2 of these active gifts, chances are your kids will be more active, healthier and happier. What about you? What activities do you like to do with your kids to keep them active and happy? Share with us!