Military Family Central

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With so many technological temptations nowadays, kids are spending more time with cell phones, computers, game consoles and television. With the constantly changing environment of a military lifestyle, kids may be even more drawn to technology to maintain long-distance friendships or avoid new social interactions.

Despite how fun and helpful technology can be, it’s too easy for kids to spend hours in front of a screen rather than get the recommended 60 minutes of activity a day.

Parents know telling a child to do something doesn’t always mean they will; sometimes parents have to be a clever role model. If that’s the case, here are six ways to have fun and get active with your child and maybe even keep some winter blues at bay:

Movie or Music Video

Cameras are a great way to incorporate technology into activity as well as become a documentation tool for those away on deployment or TDY. You can have your kid(s) pick a favorite song and get some cardio as they choreograph a dance to perform on camera.

You can also write a script with your child, or let them create their own that they can film. Once the video is edited, you can host a family premiere (red carpet optional).

Family Fort

If you’re willing to let your children destroy your furniture arrangement for a while, building a fort can be a great way to apply muscular strength and balance. You can make it a creativity workout as well with a campout or castle feel with flashlights and story time.

Fashion Show

You can create an entire event where kids can rummage through the house and find fun dress up items. You can have a theme and create prizes for the best in show, or just put on some music to strut your stuff. You can also have a photo shoot with wacky poses.

Newspaper Route

On a military installation, there is a strong sense of community so have your kids embrace it by creating a paper with the neighborhood kids. They can write the content and get their exercise by delivering them to each house. They may also be inspired to explore their surrounding more in order to generate story ideas and meet people for interviews.

Everyday Activities

You may not have time to plan out an extravagant event, but there are still ways to incorporate your child into everyday activities.

• Cooking: Have your child choose a recipe and walk around the store together to get the ingredients. They can help unload groceries, cook the meal and clean up the dishes in order to present their creation.
• Walk the Dog: If you have a pet, make an active family routine out of it. Schedule a time to take a family walk with the dog or set some time to play with toys in the backyard or living room.
• Help with Chores: This works especially well with younger children. Sweeping, vacuuming, even laundry and dishes can become a game, a competition and yes, even a fun activity!

Plan a Game

Military installations typically have a Morale, Welfare and Recreation center that military families can use for activities ranging from bowling, swimming and golf to arts and crafts. Take a trip to your installation’s recreation facilities and see what you can find. If nothing else, organize a treasure hunt, water balloon fight or neighborhood game of hide-and-seek. You can set up kickball, disc golf or even pull out the roller blades, hula-hoops and jump ropes.

Photo thanks to Micah Taylor via Flickr Creative Commons