Keep the Family M-O-V-I-N-G...
Covid taught us all to stop and take a break. Oh we needed it and probably still do, BUT we have to ensure keep that new found movement that we did going. Don't go back into automatic pilot and miss out on those important moments - either for yourself, your family and your friends. All those walks to new neighbourhood trails and discovering new beaches doesn't have to stop.
I wish I could say we were a family that hit the local National Parks and re-discovered the amazing bird life in our hood. Well, my husband and I did, but bringing a teen and tween just wasn't going to happen. So I didn't fight it - I know how to pick my battles! How do you encourage older kids that would rather stick pins in their eyes than hang out with their parents to do just that? Reset and look at it from their point of view (as best as possible). [We try and parent according to Esther Woj's book 'How to Raise Happy & Successful People' with her TRICK method.] Instead of doing only what we wanted, we shook it up a bit.
First, we set up our kitchen island as a ping pong table and let the tournament begin. We're all pretty competitive and we had an unspoken rule - if someone says let's play, you had to drop everything and play. My oldest teen seemed to love this structure the most and I think he needed it more than all of us. It helped us connect and laugh and MOVE, even briefly.
Another family game we've embraced is Spike Ball. It's probably best known on the beach, but you can play it anywhere on dirt, grass, concrete or sand. It packs up in a simple little bag and is good for all ages. It's another one that is easy to follow and helps you not only move and connect, but tune out all the noise. We're planning many relaxing beach days this summer and will be packing Spike Ball in our beach bag.
How do you get your family moving??