by Tara Pringle Jefferson
I got an iPad for Christmas. Or, I should say, my kids (4 and 2) got an iPad because that’s how much they use it.
I might as well go to the Apple store and buy another one because I can’t pull that thing out without them descending on me like moths to a flame.
Now they know all about the Apple App Store and if we can download new books or puzzles or games. Granted, the only things I download for them are educational games and books, so in that respect the iPad is a nice tool.
But they don’t run as much, I’ve noticed. They used to run around and play tag and tickle each other and fall down. Now they sit quietly on the couch taking turns putting the iPad in their lap and playing a game. Normally I wouldn’t complain (they’re being quiet?) but it’s making me feel like I’m turning the kids into couch potatoes.
And I would know because I am the biggest couch potato that ever lived. No athletic ability (at all), no desire to do anything remotely intensive and I usually stop whatever I’m doing once I start sweating. (Which is why shoveling the snow for my husband was a very big deal.)
Due to my own habits (sitting in front of a computer 6+ hours a day), I’ve gained weight and my nonactive lifestyle that is really not doing me any favors. I’ve started to work out but it’s still difficult to make the time.
Part of my goal is to be more active all the way around – don’t be lazy and make the extra trip to put something away upstairs instead of just leaving it on the steps; bring the clean clothes up from the basement instead of waiting for my husband to do it. You get the point.
I’m getting the kids involved, too. Although it’s hard because it’s winter in Cleveland (snows for 90-100 days straight), we’re making the extra effort to keep moving and keep active. THEN it’ll be time to play on the iPad. 🙂
What do you say, BMWK family? How do you ensure your family stays active and healthy?
Tara Pringle Jefferson is a freelance writer, blogger and PR professional living in Ohio with her husband and two kids. She’s also Managing Editor of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog for more insights on love and family.
We normally either all play Wii (Just Dance will wear you OUT) or walk together at the park. My kids are 14, 11, and 9.
You know… I went home and saw my neices and nephews with huge plates of food and eating the same things (Chitterlings, other pork, other soul food favs) that caused the adults feeding them to have to take several pills for various illnesses… and it hurt my feelings.
And you’re absolutely right about having the kids being quiet is a big priority over what’s best for them many times. I dont have much say many times since I’m not there full time, but it’s HARD work to do anything that’s right…. anything that for the best. And I really believe we have to continue to say NO to the GOOD in order to say YES to the BEST. Fortunately, the kids have started playing sports and I’m hoping that will combat any ‘sit down and play that game’ mentalities in the home. However, they are a few year older than your Tara…
During the winter months for me it is very hard to remain active. I’m more of a curl up under the covers and watch tv type gal. However I see my daughters following my lead (big no-no since they all LOVE food). So I bought a Wii for them. I didn’t go out and buy the Wii Fit because I knew it would be more of a chore than a game to them. So I buy games that force them to get off the couch (Just Dance 2, Michael Jackson Experience, Punch Out, etc). Okay I admit i bought Punch Out for me (I loved Mike Tyson’s Punch Out back in the day)! But they have to get up and move with the game and before they know it, an hour has passed and they are sweating and laughing taking only a water break, then back to the game they go.
Since spring is in a few weeks I have them already enrolled in league softball and basketball not to mention the sports they are trying out for with their schools. Usually spring and summer I pick up on walking again. This year I may go out and buy bikes for us to ride.
I also agree with Discussion King in ensuring that we eat the proper foods. My biggest problem wasn’t that we weren’t eating the right foods, it was the amount of food we were intaking/inhaling. My oldest for example couldn’t eat just a handful of grapes per setting….noooooo…..she had to have an entire 2lb vine because she was hungry even after having a sandwich, chips, and juice. But to her defense she felt that it didn’t matter how many grapes she had because it was a healthy snack.