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Sports & Fitness Options for the Kids: Spray Bottle Relay Race

6/23/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © timsackton; Flickr.com

To keep kids active and promote physical fitness, strive to provide more than just an exercise routine. You can make it fun at the same time. When you transform exercise into an active game, a child will show far more interest. Because of the element of fun, kids may not even realize, or care at all, that they are participating in a form of exercise.

One fun, active game to play is "Spray Bottle Relay Race". It's a popular game and is even used in schools as part of Field Day or just as a fun activity. In Spray Bottle Relay Race, the kids will work pretty much the entire body. Spray Bottle Relay Race should be played in an open field, such as one at a school or park. It's a team game, but can be easily modified for fewer kids. This game is fun for school-aged children of all ages.

The only materials needed to play this active game are batons and large spray bottles. The spray bottles should be ones that can spray a straight line of water, not a mist. There should be 2 batons and 1 spray bottle for each team. Setting up the game is fairly simple. First, determine how many teams there will be. Then, split up the kids accordingly.

Figure out where the start and finish lines will be and place a baton at each to mark the spot. Alternatively, a chalk line can be drawn to mark the start and finish lines as well. Have the kids line up behind both the start and finish lines. Give each of the kids located at the start lines a spray bottle, filled with water and ready to spray.

To start the game, blow a whistle or shout "Go!" The children who are first at each of the start lines will race to the finish lines and then squirt their next teammate with the spray bottle (no face shots allowed) and hand off the spray bottle. Then, that child will run to the start line and spray the next teammate and hand off the bottle. This will continue until all of the children have run at least once. Ideally, each child should run more than once. Splitting the children into small teams can help make that happen.

This active exercise will give the kids a great cardio workout, as well as helps them cool off on a hot day. It works the entire body while running and also increases the heart rate. The action of squirting the water also gives an added bonus of using the smaller muscles in the arms, hands, and wrist. It makes for a great last minute opportunity for getting kids active, as the supplies are ones that may already be on hand.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Why Children Need to Play with Toys

12/26/2014

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As a mother and former nanny, I've heard of too many instances in which permanently restricting toys from children was suggested. Either the parents felt the kids were making a mess of them, they were too old for toys, or that toys were unnecessary. While I agree that kids do not need every gadget and gizmo out there, they do need to own some toys. In fact, there are many reasons children need to play with toys and significant research to back up that fact.

History of Toys

It's probably safe to say that no one knows for sure exactly when and where the first toy was invented. They've been around for ages, possibly since the beginning of the human race. No matter the culture or country, most kids can be found playing with some sort of toy. While we can't trace the history of toys altogether, it can be interesting to peek back in time and trace the history of specific toys. IdeaFinder.com has some fun listings to explore from various toys and time periods.

Benefits of Toys

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), playing with toys is beneficial to a child's social, cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. The same report makes the point that playing with toys is recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as being one of the rights every child has. The Museum of Play considers play a critical part of learning and human development. Playing with toys increases academic success, as well as promotes success once children grow into adults. The Elements of Play can help define play for parents, educators, and scholars.

Which Toys are Best?

Which toys are best will actually depend on each individual child. When choosing the best toys for kids, think of the value of the toy itself. Consider your child's interest in it, how long it will last, what purpose it will serve, and also general safety. Blocks and puzzles can help with problem-solving and other cognitive development. Dolls and other role playing toys can help children with expression and imagination. Paints and other artistic toys help develop creativity. Sports toys, such as bicycles and balls can teach teamwork and coordination. There are a whole host of great toys with many benefits. If the toy passes all of your tests for value, then it's probably one of the best toys for your child. Remember to have a variety of different toys for the most interest and benefit.

Why Toys Should not Be Taken Away Permanently

Taking away toys permanently for the purpose of avoiding messes can hinder the process of teaching a child to clean. How can she learn to do this without anything to clean up? On the contrary, if a child is instead taught organizational skills and given an exact spot for each toy, and a system that must be followed, he or she will learn to put away the toys. Taking away toys because someone feels they are unnecessary is also not a good idea. As long as a child remains interested in playing with toys, he should be allowed to keep them. Even adults can benefit from playing with toys. Limiting or restricting a child from toys can also limit and restrict a child from key life lessons that can only be gained through play.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Why You Need a Double Stroller for One or Two Babies

9/18/2014

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

A double seated stroller is an essential baby item whether you have just one baby, twins, or a toddler and a baby. As a mother of 6 and a nanny and sitter, I have had plenty of experience with strollers of all different sizes and seating options. Some were great and some were absolutely more of a pain than they were a help. Here's ten reasons double strollers are the best bet.

Comfort-Level is Higher in a Double Stroller

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A baby or toddler should feel very comfortable in their stroller. They will usually be in there at least 30 minutes at a time. Even 5 minutes in an uncomfortable position is no good for a developing child's muscles. Baby should not have to get sore every time a stroller ride is necessary. Double strollers usually have larger seats with more than one seating position available, which makes it easier for small babies that need to lie all the way back or even toddlers who sometimes tend to slump over when they fall asleep. In addition to having the option to lie all the way down, the double strollers usually come with a head accessory for infants, much like the ones that come with car seats, for positioning baby's head comfortably. It is possible to buy these at most retailers, but it is best to use one that is customized to your specific product for the safest results.

A Larger Umbrella or Sun Shade is Better for Baby

The sunshade is an important feature on a stroller. It will help keep the sun from getting in baby's eyes or sunburning the skin. Most double strollers tend to have larger sunshades or umbrellas than traditional models. Oftentimes the back seat of a double stroller is especially generous with the sunshade.

Larger Wheels Make an Easy Stroll and a Longer-Lasting Product

Wheels on a stroller are one of the most important features. Without the proper wheels, you aren't going to get much mileage out of your stroller. If you will only use your stroller for 5 minute trips, this won't matter much to you, but if you'd like the stroller to be dependable and long-lasting, take a look at the wheels. Double strollers come with a generous size in wheels, which makes for easier pushing, easier navigating, and a longer-lasting product. Smaller wheels tend to break off or bend, which causes the stroller to not work. Without wheels, you aren't going to get very far.The Graco DuoGlider has the best quality wheels that I have seen. While there are some more expensive models with larger wheels, those wheels also tend to break. The Graco model above had the longest-lasting wheels of any of the strollers I have tested. It's still being used and the others are long gone.

Lots of Cargo Room is a Must

When you have a child, you need things to care for that child with you everywhere you go. Double strollers have a larger basket underneath than traditional models. If you still need extra room and you only have one child who needs to be in the stroller, you can also use the back seat of the stroller for even more room.

Double Strollers are Easier To Push

Pushing strollers can be a real pain if you get the wrong model. Most double strollers have a comfortable handlebar that is also substantially higher from the ground than traditional models, making it almost natural to place your hands on the handlebar. While double strollers are large, they are amazingly easy to push. If you come across a model that isn't, you have chosen the wrong double stroller because it can become heavy quite easily once children and cargo are in it.

Extra Spots are Handy

Sometimes when you go somewhere you might run into someone you know. If that person happens to have a tired baby or toddler, you have an extra spot for that person. Maybe you and a friend want to take a walk together but don't want to push two strollers because you'd like to walk side-by-side. A double stroller can come in handy for both of these situations. Another time an extra spot comes in handy is for those "on-a-whim" shopping sprees. Sometimes when you intend to just walk, you take advantage of baby falling asleep and stop in a local store. You may end up buying things that won't fit in the bottom basket. Just seat baby in the front seat and lay the back seat all the way down. It will hold a good amount of stuff. Just be cautious to watch the weight limitations for your particular stroller. An older child can also grow tired during long shopping trips or walks. Depending on the child's weight, you can also place the older child in the backseat if they grow tired. There are some models that have a step-type seat for older children, but the regular recliner seats are much more comfortable.

Eliminate The Need To Haul Playpen/Bassinet To Park Or Other Outing

Baby can get worn out in the most inconvenient places, but it's up to the parents to prepare for this. With a double stroller, you can just lie the back seat down and bring up the footrest or under-attachment for protecting baby from falling. All four sides will be secure and create a quick napping spot that is also safe and comfortable. It can also act as a bassinet for smaller babies. If you have a particularly fussy baby, this can come in handy. Just pull the stroller back and forth to create motion for a cranky baby. Most double strollers also have a 4-way harness system (much like that of a car seat, but a bit thinner) in the back seat to prevent a small baby from rolling. The footrests usually also will latch upright. Some models may allow two such resting areas.

No Need To Hunt Down a Sanitary Changing Station

Changing a baby when you're on the go can be a challenge. You need a place to do it, which can't always be found and then if you do find a spot, it is rarely clean or sanitary. That's when your back seat in the double stroller comes in handy. Lie it all the way back and strap baby in with the correct buckle (harness or regular), depending on baby's age. Now you have a clean and safe surface for changing baby. This can also be a good spot to change baby's clothing if it gets soiled.

If You Get Pregnant Again, It's One Less Item To Buy

Sometimes a new baby will come right after the first or at least two years apart. The first child is still in the stroller, but now a second child will be in the stroller as well. Well, have no fear. You've already purchased the double stroller, so you're one step ahead in that department.

Most Infant Car Seats Can Attach To Both Seats

Lugging around the car seat of a sleeping baby is not exactly fun, but you don't want to wake baby, either. Most double strollers allow for two infant seats to be attached to the stroller easily. You may only need to attach one, but if so, you'll still have room for another child or some cargo. Cross-branding is okay, too because many models, like the Graco DuoGlider (mentioned above), will give instructions for latching other brands into the stroller properly.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

ABOUT THE OWNER

Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!

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Sports & Fitness Options for the Kids: Spray Bottle Relay Race

Why Children Need to Play with Toys

Why You Need a Double Stroller for One or Two Babies

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