Keeping Your Kids Active Without the Whine

Divisions: Preschoolers, Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Children’s Activities, Family Activities, Family Vacations, Healthy Living, Exercise & Sports

I struggle with whining a little bit too. This summer I've been having my girls do REQUIRED exercise time everyday. At the minimum, they have to run a mile--we've worked out a route in the neighborhood. I had a real break through with one of my daughters when I handed her my i-Pod one morning and let her run to music. It opened up a whole new world for her--the mind was off of the run and on the music instead and the time zipped by. Maybe your five-year old needs a "mission" or a hiking job to keep her mind off the heat or the hike and on to something more interesting to her. Could she be in charge of taking photos while you hike? Could it be a hiking scavenger hunt? Once a few years ago our family made up a family song while on a hike. It had five verses--one for each family member. We still sing it. I'm sure she'll get better at it! Good luck!