Every year I set movement goals for myself. I try to run more miles than the previous year or try more cross training or (this year) actually ride enough miles on my bike to count them LOL.
But, I’ve never tried to get my kids to set goals with me. Shoo is incredibly active. Yesterday it snowed and he spent an hour outside by himself building a very small snowman, climbing on the playset, playing “winter basketball”, and just running around. Then he came inside and got in trouble for dribbling his basketball on my hardwood floors. Jones is more like I was as a child. He played outside for a few minutes, then came in and started reading. I’m thrilled that he loves books, but I think if I let him, he’d never get off his chair. (I know my mom is sitting there thinking I was the same way as a child.)
So, I’m going to challenge him. We are going to see if we can walk to Grandma’s house this year. It’s approximately 750 miles. Mileage can be gained with any movement each day. Easily tracked distances will be added that way, otherwise every five minutes of movement will be a half mile. I’m going to try and find some cool milestones along the way (I’m sure Beer Geek can come up with some for me, since geography is his thing.)
Any other suggestions? I’d love to make this a fun game for him and along the way instill a love of movement or at least a healthy habit. And if you go on over to Family Life in Las Vegas, you can read some of my other ways of trying to get my kids moving.
Look, you'll be going right past my house! :)I love this challenge…I too was a "play outside the bare minimum and then return to my books" kind of kid (and I can see it in my daughter). I think I may adopt some version of this myself…
That is a great idea! I might just use it for my son as well.
How about Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio as a milestone? When he gets there you could take him to Six Flags or a water park or something if he likes that kind of thing.
That is such a great idea! Great milestone for your kids to reach.
What an awesome idea! Do you have a visual way to track it? I like Kathy's idea about incentives along the way. And competition usually helps too, but that might not work here if his brother is already super active. Have fun!
I love the way you get your kids to be active with you. What a fun goal for him!
I love this idea. My town does this – walk to Florida, walk to Halifax, one year it was walk to Hawaii which I thought was a bit strange, but still, I like the idea!
Fun idea! I'm sure the boys will love it.
That's a brilliant idea!
Such a great idea! Fitness should absolutely be a family affair. 🙂
What a great challenge and you're making it so fun!
such a fun neat challenge I can't wait to see how it goes!
OMG! I LOVE this idea! I am going to do it with my daughter.
OMG! I LOVE this idea! I am going to do it with my daughter.
What a great idea!
Hey, new follower here! I love this idea. It's so fun, and very cool that you made the destination grandma's house.
That's such a great idea. And it's one that they'll find easy to relate to.
I love this! This would motivate me. Will you have a map up you are tracking it on? Could he get bonus miles if he reads/researches some of the places "traveling through or is that at too much of a cross purpose? Have fun!
What a great idea! This is such a fun way to motivate a kid!Right now, my little ones are very active and love to be outside. I hope that never changes, but they are only 2 and 4, so I know it might. I'm making notes of these great motivational techniques to keep them moving if they ever decide to stop.