(CREDIT: craigland (Flickr))
Having grown up in Indiana, I grew up on the traditional games that we play here in the United States as children. Whether it was on the playground during recess, at the neighborhood playground, or just playing in the backyard at home with my siblings and friends, there was never anything better than playing outside as a child. When I was younger, some of my particularly favorite games were the classic games that we all know and love, such as dodgeball, tag, and kickball.
However, the "traditional games" that we're used to aren't exactly commonplace in other countries, as children around the world have their own favorite games that they play. Here on this blog, we recently took a look at some of the most unique playgrounds from around the world, to give an idea of how different cultures tackle different things. With actual games, it's no different.
Here are some games that are commonplace around the world, just not necessarily games that we may be particularly familiar with:
With that, some games are much different than what we're used to, while others are really quite similar, like Corre, Corre, la Guaraca, which is commonly played in Chile. What were some of your favorite games to play as a child, and are there any from around the world that you're aware of? Let myself and our readers know in the comments below!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
(CREDIT: sam_pelletier)
There's one thing that we can all relate with, and that's that we all loved heading to the playground when we were children. Whether it was during recess at school, or on the playground outside of school with our friends, it was always a good time. As I'm older now, and as a mother, I love taking my children to the local playground; it's a good way for them to have fun, stay active, and simply unwind a bit. They love the games they play, and especially now love the game that I recently introduced to them.
However, there was one game that I loved playing on the playground as a child; one that doesn't get the recognition that it deserves. Funnel Ball is a great game that consists of either a plastic or fiberglass funnel that is placed on top of a post, and is typically about five feet in diameter with a 45 degree pitch. Not only that, but there are evenly placed holes along the bottom of the funnel itself.
Every game has some sort of rules, and those associated with Funnel Ball are simple to follow. To play, you throw a something like a small medicine ball or basketball into the top of the funnel, waiting for it to come out of one of the holes at the bottom of the funnel. Alongside the bottom, each hole is designated with a different number. As for the numbers, they're even numbers specifically, marked with the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8.
One of the best parts of the game is that it can be a bit unpredictable, with it being a bit random as to what hole the ball will pop out of. It isn't all random, because with high accuracy, having the ball come out of a desired hole is possible. As for a scoring system, there really isn't one, which is great for just having some fun with the others that you're playing the game with. You can set the winning score at whatever you want, but it's important to remember to just have fun with it. The score doesn't matter, just enjoy yourself!
Now that we have gone over exactly how to play Funnel Ball, and what the game actually is, it's important to remember, again, to have fun with it. I, personally, always found Funnel Ball to be one of the most fun games to play on the playground, because of the unpredictability, the laughs that we would share, and the determination that we would all have, trying to have that top-notch accuracy to have the ball come out of the correct hole.
Did you ever play Funnel Ball as a child when you were on the playground? Also, what were your favorite playground games as a child? Some of the best memories we have are the ones from when we were younger, so let's reminisce. Let's head back to our childhoods and discuss our favorite playground games from our earlier years. Let me know in the comments below!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
(CREDIT: MDGovpics)
One of the biggest, most unfortunate issues in our society is bullying. It's always been an issue, and for good reason – it's difficult to stop. Bullying is a problem because it can lead to issues like anxiety and depression for children later on in life, and no one should have to go through that. In the case of bullying, no child should ever have to live in any sort of fear. With all of that said, you can do your part in the fight against bullying by teaching your children that it's wrong, and that it's something that they simply shouldn't ever partake in.
As I'm sure some of you may have already done, I've had the talk about bullying with my children, and there are some ways that you can go about it. Here a few of my personal tips, all of which should help you in bringing up the subject to your children.
Victims of bullying can feel alone. They can feel isolated, which as mentioned, can lead to anxiety and depression both as a child and as they grow older, so even as a parent, by simply talking to your children about the subject of bullying, you're already playing a major role.
Have you talked to your children about bullying? If you have any tips of your own to share on the subject, as it pertains to discussing the topic with your children, I would love for you to share them with myself and the readers in the comments below!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
(CREDIT: Tony Crider)
It's the New Year, and if you're like my family and I, then you've certainly already put some New Year's Resolutions in place for 2014. Can you believe we're already into the New Year? In my family, while one of the New Year's Resolutions that we're targeting isn't necessarily doing something new, it's more of setting a goal to keep up with things that we're doing. I try for myself, and for my children, to keep us healthy and active, so for 2014, we're shooting for continued success on that front.
Whatever you may have chosen as a New Year's Resolution, stick with it! It's important, but it's also vital that we all improve our health as we head into 2014, especially the health of our children, because there is always room for improvement. We're living in a time when obesity is a prevalent problem, but it can be combated by proper health and lifestyle choices for your child.
Here are some ways that you can reach this goal for your children as 2014 continues on.
Continue to Stay Active
Being physically active is instrumental in improving the health of your children. Not only does it promote healthy growth and development, but other benefits that your child will see include developing stronger bones and muscles, improved flexibility, and better balance skills.
Eat Healthy
While this one may seem self-explanatory, it's so vital in both improving and maintaining, in some cases, your child's health. One thing that I've found to be key over the years with my children, is having them become involved with the meal preparation. I've found that by getting them involved and letting them help out a bit, they become more interested, and can understand the importance of food. Also, it's so important to limit portion sizes. Portion control is a necessity, because it's very important to eat in moderation.
Get Enough Sleep
As adults, we aren't the only ones that have busy days. Our children are busy too, as they can have school, homework, extracurricular activities, and more, so it's important they get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Sleep isn't just important for their bodies, either – it's important for their brains. When your child doesn't get enough sleep, their mood can be lowered, and they can become cranky, so make sure your child gets enough sleep this year! They may want to stay up and watch something on television, but that's what digital recording on your television is for! They can watch it tomorrow after they've done their homework.
Become Involved with Extracurricular Activities
Activities such as sports or clubs after school are great, and if your child isn't involved in either, it's never too late to start, making 2014 a prime starting point. One of the greatest benefits of extracurricular activities, and something that is key for your child to learn in 2014, is that of time management. With everything going on, including school, playing with friends, doing their homework, and sleeping, among other things, your child will grow up real fast when it comes to balancing their time and truly understanding time management. Not only that, but it will help them to learn about commitments. Make 2014 a strong year!
Improve Both Mental and Emotional Health
By having more of a focus on the above elements in 2014, your child's mental and emotional health will definitely improve. They'll have increased self-esteem, which will put opportunities in front of them to make friends, have the drive to get involved in things like extracurricular activities, and most important of all, perhaps, to relax their minds.
Get the New Year off to a great start by focusing on your goals for 2014, one of which for all of us should be based around not only improving the health of our own lives, but for our children as well. What ideas do you have for improving your child's health in 2014? And do you have any other great New Year's Resolutions that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments below.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
It's one of the best times of the year. The holiday season is upon us, and one of the best parts about it is that we get to spend time with our families. Sometimes, there's nothing better than quality family time, and it doesn't matter how big or small your family is, there are many great ideas to ensure that you all have some extra fun together. Why not play some holiday games? Playing family games can certainly bring you closer together!
Especially around the holidays, my family and I find playing games to be a great bonding experience. Over the years, these have included word games, board games, and even games that we have made up along the way. It's all about family-fun, and here some games for the family to play, that I would like to share with you; games that my children have especially come to love.
These are just some of the fun games that my family and I enjoy playing around this time of year. What games will you and your family be playing around the holidays this year, and are there any that you can share?
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
Photo By: cwwycoff1 (Flickr)
When I grew up, I always had so much fun going out onto the playground with my friends at school when it was time for recess, or even having my parents bring my sisters and I to the local public playground in our neighborhood. Playgrounds were a big part of my childhood, because I loved being active, but they're certainly not the same as they once were.
Now, there are playgrounds in the United States and around the world that are incredible in that they're unique. There are ideas behind them, which become reality, and enhance the experiences for children like never before. I've been to some of these 'new-age' type of playgrounds with my children, and the look on their faces has been outstanding.
Here is a list of some of the most amazing playgrounds around the world, and if you're in the particular area, you have to make time to check out!
When it comes to modern day playgrounds, it's certainly much more than I grew up with! Now, these modern day playgrounds have a vision behind them when they're created, as we have moved past the days of having just a sandbox and some swings. Have you visited any of the above playgrounds in the past, and are there any you have been to that you have found to be fascinating? Let me know in the comments below!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
CREDIT: k4dordy Flickr
In the digital age that we're living in today, children have become fascinated with their electronic devices. Whether it's their smartphone, tablet, or the latest video games out on the market, kids have increasingly had their eyes glued to screens over the last several years. However, it's vital that children spend time playing outside, without their digital devices, as it can not only help with their physical health, but their mental health as well.
Your children's health is important, and staying active as opposed to being in front of the television can be a huge help. When it comes to these digital electronics, it's been video games that have perhaps been the biggest offenders of keeping your children inside. Early on, I made a serious effort to get my children active by having them play outside, and here are some reasons why it's beneficial to be outside, instead of inside with a controller in hand, for your child.
There's no harm in having your child enjoy their video games here and there, but it's important that it's not their only hobby. With that said, these are some examples that I'm happy to share with you, as to why it's vital for your children to be outside! I took interest in keeping my children active from an early age, and you can too. What benefits do you see in your children playing outside? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
Photo By: David Saddler (Flickr)
It's no secret that childhood obesity has become a growing problem in today's society, so it's important to keep your children both healthy and active. By getting your children on a healthy diet, not only can you help to stabilize your child's energy, but you can also increase their moods in a more positive manner, and even sharpen their minds. You will face some of the same struggles that I did – combating your word against the flashy commercials on television that promote fast food and junk food. You've got this though – your efforts will help shape your child into a healthy, confident adult as they grow older.
It's important for your children to develop healthy eating habits, and while you will surely face the same troubles that I did, like trying to convince them that they should stick with an apple over potato chips, perseverance will certainly pay off. As a mother, I've learned quite a bit over the years when it comes to getting your children on a steady and smart diet. Here are some foods that are essential for your child's diet, all while staying active at the same time.
Sometimes, it won't be easy. I've been there with my children, but it's important to understand how vital it is to keep your children active and healthy, in a time where childhood obesity has become a huge epidemic in today's society. Eating healthy and staying active is important! What healthy foods and snacks do you have your children eating on a regular basis?
Find more about the author: Kim Hart