Momma friends, it is that time again; SPRING BREAK! and most of us aren't packed up and headed to the beach (sigh). Here we are, just trying to survive a week with some extra tasks on our hands. I want to help us all with some easy, cheap/free things to do to keep the sanity. I'm not always the super fun, all the cute crafts mom, but we do have some fun out here on Ferrell Farms despite my lacking in adorable cutesy projects. Let's do this Spring Break week together starting with three ideas for getting your kids MOVING!
2. Obstacle Course- this is our family JAM! We love obstacle courses! We do this outside but it can also be modified to an inside activity if it's still cold weather outside for you or a rainy day. Kids of all ages can participate, but probably 2 and up with modifications for age groups. As a "family" we set up a "course" including but not limited to the following tasks one right after the other:1- hop over a row of sticks or logs
2- do 10 jumping jacks
3- crawl under a row of chairs
4- spin around the bat 5 times
5- kick a ball in the goal
6- climb up our landscaping wall/bear crawl up the hill
7- Run as fast as you can to the end
We count out loud (good way to integrate counting practice and watch reading work too!) to see how long it takes us and try to beat our own times the second time around. This is great family exercise and the kids always get into it trying to created great obstacles for us. Also, another benefit is EVERYONE is getting exercise even mom (if she can participate!) Family exercise is beneficial on all levels, just ask my friend Mendy Shriver, she runs a fitness business completely based off of moms and their babies you should go check it out!
3. Playground games- guess what...this new generation doesn't play foursquare!!! My eleven year old did not know how to play foursquare, I mean I was shocked and slightly disappointed in our public school system! What kind of world do we live in where kids don't know how to play foursquare!!!! So I took immediate action. The other day we were playing outside and I began to teach my 5 year old how to play foursquare (preschoolers can hit a ball over the line and they think it's pretty fun and it's pretty easy) and then all three of my kids joined in. We had a blast and we kept it simple, just hitting the ball over the lines into each other's "square". So, you could all play a game together or you can send them outside to play 3 rounds of playground games. Foursquare is an easy option because you can square off any area, concrete, gravel, grass etc. You need a bouncy ball. You can also have a jump rope station set up and your other activity can be something you already have available. (basketball, soccer goal, swings etc) Set a timer and have them play each activity for 10 minutes. This is all depending on your age of kids. My kids play outside by themselves now (also we live in the country so it's very safe) if you need to be outside with them, pull up a chair and a whistle and be the ref, while sipping a nice beverage and flipping through a magazine! Playground games are sure to be lots of fun and can be so simple!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
Our children are greatly lacking in PLAY and childhood obesity is off the charts! Outdoor play offers fresh air, energy burning, sunshine (mostly) and has lots of opportunity for imagination and success. Let's start this Spring Break week and make a change for our kids. Eyes off of screens and onto to play, with little work from mom and no money spent!
Have fun!
Much Love,
Chrystan
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