With creativity and thought, fitness can join one’s daily parenting routine. An afternoon family yoga session is one way to make fitness a cornerstone of parenting. Plus, this particular fitness activity provides many benefits, some that you may have never considered.

Why hold family yoga in the afternoon? When the kids get home from school, they need some relaxation. But they also need a boost of brain power. Yoga is a great activity for both. Not only can yoga stimulate the mind and relax the body, but exercising before dinner can help the body better burn calories and convert food into the proper energy. Yes, kids get to play more than adults, but their minds are constantly working. Plus, lessons, sports, activities, and even playing can be tiring. Kids need to wind down and they also need something that will bring that focus back so they can complete homework, read, or study. All of the above and more add up to being a great reason yoga in the afternoon can be added as routine family fitness.

Family yoga sessions in the afternoon are even more of a win for parents. By the time the kids get finished with lessons or extra curricular activities, the parents are likely exhausted from their days as well. Working, cleaning house, and performing routine parental duties can be tiring for both the mind and body. Parenting is hard and yoga can be both the quick pick-me-up needed to prepare dinner and the relaxing moment needed to relieve the day’s stress.

Afternoon yoga sessions need not take hours. A simple 20 minutes will suffice. It doesn’t take much time out of the day and will benefit parents and kids alike. Yoga books, DVD’s, classes, and even yoga websites can help you find the best poses to incorporate into your day. Poses can focus on specific benefits, as well as experience level. There’s even yoga for babies, so you have no excuse not to get the whole family involved.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ00594_D
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1710049/using_yoga_for_concentr...

What do you get when you mix a Kiss fan with a Pumpkin carving session? Well, 9 times out of 10 you will get a pumpkin with Kiss makeup on it. As a fan of the rock ‘n’ roll bands of the 70s, I have a deep appreciation for anything Classic Rock. I have to say I am definitely impressed with Ray’s take on a classic design that’s been around several years longer than I have! Rock on Ray Ray!

Summer is winding down quicker than you may realize. Many children have already gone back to school and soon the dog days of summer will be coming to an end. Why not take advantage of these last few warm weekends? This weekend, get the family together and create a campground in the backyard.

Obviously, this family night activity requires a bit of planning. You’ll need to grab some camping foods, such as hot dogs and marshmallows for roasting. You’ll also need a tent and sleeping bags . If you don’t have any, chances are your friends have some you can borrow for the weekend. Last, but not least, you’ll need a bundle of wood to create a roaring fire and don’t forget a cooler for the drinks and food.

Next, you’ll need to think of some activities. Scary stories around the campfire are always a fun idea. Each person can make up their own story and tell their story before bedtime. Another activity that is fun for little kids is to take a hike around the backyard. Take time to look at things like you’ve never looked at them before. For example, look at the different plants and wildlife. You could even take pictures. A fun idea for older kids is to create a bit of competition through sports or even a campfire cook-off.

There are several advantages to camping out in your own backyard. First of all, there’s easy access to clean bathrooms, which is always a plus. Second, you don’t have to spend a dime on gas to get to your destination. Last, but not least, if your city doesn’t allow fires in the city limits, you can cook everything on a grill. This truly is a family night activity that brings the family together, but doesn’t require a lot of money. It’s a great way to say goodbye to summer. Don’t worry though because there will of course be many more family night activities for the cool months of fall.

Do you have a competitive family? A family that loves hitting the put-put range, paintball courses, and any other place that offers family competition? Then why not think of ways to have tournaments at home? Not only will it save you money, but your family will also have more fun. This week, let’s discuss having a bit of friendly competition on family night.

There are a number of different ways for families to have a tournament night at home. It all depends on what your family loves to do most. Your family may love to cook, play video games, or sports. Here are a few tips for turning a bit of family competition into cheap entertainment.

First of all, make the tournament worth winning. It may be a prize that you purchase, such as a small gift card . Or, the prize could be something you don’t have to spend a dime on. For example, the winner of the weekly tournament could get out of chores for the following week. This not only encourages your children to want to play tournaments at home, but saves you a ton of money.

What would a tournament be without great food? When having a family tournament night, make it fun. For example, serve appetizers as a meal. You could also make homemade pizza or any other type of food you would normally enjoy while doing similar activities outside the home.

Last, but not least, keep it interesting. The same tournament every week will eventually get boring. Shake things up by having one family member pick the tournament for that week. The only rules are that it has to be something that can be done at home, doesn’t require purchasing expensive equipment, and is something everyone can participate in.

Here are a few ideas for family tournaments:

• Cook Offs
• Video Game Challenges
• Team Sports

• Board Game Challenges

There are so many different types of tournaments you could have. It just depends on what interests your family. Bring the idea up at your next family night and ask for ideas for tournaments and prizes.

Most kids love to build things. They also like to participate in contests. This summer outdoor activity combines both and is simple and fun. Building their own sailboat and then watching their creation in action can make a child feel good about him or herself. It also is fun, provides fitness, and exercises creativity and thinking skills.

Toy sailboats can be designed by the child and parent. Another choice is to search the internet for free toy boat building instructions. Many hobby and toy stores also sell ready-made kits that simply need to be assembled. Judging by the child’s age and experience, parents can decide which is best.

For more fun, the project can be made into an event with family and friends. Set up a building area in the local park or your own backyard. Each child should have the necessary supplies to complete his or her boat building project. Parents can decide whether all the kids will do the same project or whether they will each choose their own way to build their boats. Be sure to have snacks and refreshments, as the kids will be working hard.

Once the boats are built, they can be taken to a local pond, creek, or stream where the kids are allowed to race the boats. Determine a starting and finishing point. Be sure to watch which way the water current is flowing. That is the direction the boats will need to go. Determine a signal to start. When the kids see or hear that signal, they must drop their boats into the water at the starting point.

The kids will enjoy running alongside the water bank to keep up with their boats. Don’t forget that kids should have appropriate footwear when running. You may see them cheering on their on boat, hoping it will beat the rest to the finish line. This provides great exercise and healthy competition. One or more kids may get disappointed if they don’t win. It’s all part of learning and growing. Prizes or award ribbons can be given to the winners for first, second, and third place.

What family doesn’t enjoy a night at the movies? Unfortunately, the economy has made it harder for families to enjoy this activity. A simple night out at the movies for a family of four, plus drinks and snacks, can cost close to $75. In a rough economy, most families simply can’t afford this type of entertainment every week. Thankfully, there are ways to enjoy movie night at home. This week, let’s bring back family night by enjoying a few movies. There will even be money left over for drinks and snacks.

First, let’s discuss the movies. There are several options that will help families save money. Pay Per View movies cost around $5. Movie rentals from a local video store are slightly less. But, the biggest savings comes from online rental services. These services can save families a ton of money. For example, most companies offer 3 movies out at a time for around $25. That’s 12 movies a month. Just think how much 12 movies would cost at the theater! Best of all, family movie night can be enjoyed all evening long. Everyone can choose a movie they love.

Now what about snacks? Movie theaters make most of their money by charging outrageous prices on simple things like popcorn and soda. For example, a large bucket of popcorn costs around $7 and a large soda costs around $5. You can recreate the entire movie experience for less than $20!

2 liters of pop $6
4 boxes of movie theater candy $4
1 box of microwave movie theater popcorn $6

As you can see, it’s much more affordable to enjoy movie night at home. You could even afford to make nachos and hot dogs if you wanted. And, once you discover how much money you can save, you may want to invest in a movie theater style popcorn machine.

Movies don’t have to be reserved for the theater to be good. In fact, movies are even better at home. So why not gather the family together this evening and enjoy a few movies? This is truly an activity you can afford every week.

In years past, families have gone out for dinner or even to the movies on family night. Due to the economy, nights like these happen less and less often. That doesn’t mean families have to give up family night. In fact, there are many different ways to spend time together that cost very little money. That’s exactly what this blog is all about. Each week, we’ll discuss different ways to bring back family night. This week, we begin with pizza night.

Have you ever really considered the cost of going out for pizza ? Many hadn’t until the economy began to slump. For a family of four to enjoy appetizers, salad, pizza, drinks and dessert the cost is over $60. When times are tough, this night out is simply not doable. That doesn’t mean your family has to go their separate ways. You can still enjoy family pizza night. Best of all, the cost is much more affordable.

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

1 large bag of salad mix $4
1 bottle of salad dressing $3
1 large box of frozen appetizers $6
2 pack of pre-made pizza crusts $4
1 jar of pizza sauce $2
1 large bag of mozzarella cheese $4
1 stick of pepperoni $3
2 liters of soda $4
1 cake from the bakery $5

Total $35

You can cut the cost even more by preparing your own pizza crust and serving tea or another drink that can be prepared at home.

Gathering the family at home for family night not only saves money, but it allows the family more time to bond. Instead of being packed into a crowded restaurant, you can enjoy each other’s company in the comfort of your own home.

Once you discover how big of a hit pizza night can be, you may want to invest in a pizza stone and peel. This way, you get the best crust possible. One last secret is to ask your favorite pizzeria if you can buy dough from their shop. Most pizzerias will sell their dough at a small price, allowing you to enjoy your favorite pizza at home without emptying your wallet.

If you have a basketball hoop (or a nearby court) and a ball, you’re pretty much all set for a fun family recreational event. It’s important to keep the whole family in shape and basketball gives the whole body a workout. So, gather family and friends (yes, the little ones, too) and host an amateur basketball tournament. Prior skills and knowledge are not necessary. This is all about fitness and fun.

Once you’ve figured out where and when you’re going to play, be sure you’ve got everyone covered. If there are smaller kids who won’t be able to reach the net with the ball, be sure to get a basketball goal they can reach. Children’s size basketball hoops are fairly inexpensive. There are various sizes ranging from toddlers up to teens. Don’t leave the babies out of the fun. Babies who are capable of playing with toys can be handed a soft basketball toy to play with. Depending on the baby’s developmental stage, active play, such as reaching for the toy or crawling toward it can be encouraged.

Now, on to the actual game day. The weather should be nice enough for outdoor play. Be sure you let everyone know to wear the appropriate clothing for game play. Clothing should be loose-fitting, lightweight and moisture-wicking. Basketball shoes should be durable and have optimal shock absorption. Breathability and cushioning also should be factored in. Also, make sure that shoes worn during a basketball game are lightweight. Otherwise, the legs and feet will get tired before game play is done. I’m not saying everyone needs to have the same shoes as the pros, but foot protection is a must.

Once everyone has arrived and is geared up for game play, teams can be created. Be sure to also account for different age groups. Some families may decide to play these basketball games for prizes, while others may wish it to be non-competitive. Either way you will still get the same exercise, so that part is up to your family. The important part is that everyone gets the chance to play. There should be no players left on the sidelines in this one.