Tag Archives: Play

Gymboree Play & Music

Posted on by

In March 2009, my mom suggested that Jessie would probably benefit from an activity with other children her age. What? Jessie doesn’t get enough interaction from watching me work at home? Mom’s suggestion was Gymboree. It sounded like a good idea to me. I looked up the website and found the location nearest to me. Oh my! The nearest location is about an hour away. That’s okay; we’ll just go try the class. Little did I know that I would love Gymboree. The jury was still out for Jessie, but enough parents told me that sitting and watching was common … Continue reading →

The Gift of Self-Entertainment

When I was younger I was sometimes bored. Somehow I imagine this happens to lots of kids but it certainly felt like it was only me who was afflicted at the time. Strangely, I credit many of my successes and talents to these periods of boredness. I can juggle; balance 6ft. ladders (and other objects) on my chin; perform a variety of wonderful coin; card, rope, and other magic tricks; and compose spreadsheets; deal with software issues; and probably some other things I’ve forgotten along the way. The point is this: boredom can be a motivator. Imagine my joy, then, … Continue reading →

Exercise is Child’s Play

A new study shows that individuals, who have a hard time sticking with structured fitness plans, can still reap the benefits of exercise by participating in child-like play. Researchers maintain that the type of calorie-burning, mind-stimulating play that children often partake in can also benefit older individuals. For example, the study found that tossing a Frisbee, dancing, and rock climbing were some of the most effective ways for adults to incorporate play into their exercise routines. According to the study, which was recently published in the Compendium of Physical Activities, a 150-pound person can burn up to 322 calories by … Continue reading →

How Often Do You Swing with Your Kids?

My kid’s been swinging since she was five-weeks-old. Now, at the ripe old age of four, she finds it more enjoyable to push me on a swing, then jump on the one next to mine and race me to “the moon.” I never win that game. Be that as it may, swings, or perhaps more specifically, parents swinging with their children, has been a hot topic this week following the delivery of a new pimped out swing set to the White House. Apparently, President and Mrs. Obama decided to treat their daughters, 7-year-old, Sasha, and 10-year-old, Malia, to a deluxe-edition … Continue reading →

California School Finally Approves Controversial Musical Production

Yes, no, maybe so… It’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks for high school students in California, who planned to showcase their talents in the musical, “Rent: School Edition.” But, now, it appears that the show will go on. The drama started when Corona del Mar High School theater teacher Ron Martin chose “Rent: School Edition,” as the spring musical. The production is a slightly toned-down version of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning show, which appeared on Broadway for more than a decade. It won rave reviews around the world, but that meant nothing to Corona del Mar High School’s principal, … Continue reading →

A Collection of Cat Toys

As impressive as the collage of cat toys to the left might be, it’s only a small representation of the entire collection of cat toys my cats claim. (Wayne’s decided if we’re looking for ways to cut money in case of a depression, cutting out my pet toy spending is a place to start. Sadly, he’s probably right.) But the purpose of this blog isn’t to show off my cats’ impressive collection of cat toys. Rather, it’s to discuss the names they know their toys by. (As I wrote in another article, I’m big on naming things.) See if you … Continue reading →

Motivate Yourself to Get Healthy with Fun!

A friend of mine got a Wii Fit as an anniversary present… and her excitement and enthusiasm was absolutely contagious! (Anybody have a Wii Fit they want to let me try?) I’ll be honest — I don’t usually feel excited and enthusiastic about exercising. I know it’s good for me. I know it helps my body stay healthy and flexible and strong. But exercise isn’t something I think of as fun. When healthy choices are chores, you’re less likely to stick with them (whether we’re talking about a diet or an exercise plan). But if you can make your lifestyle … Continue reading →

When Did Fitness Become Work?

Posted on by

Why can’t fitness be fun anymore? A decade ago, we had a horse farm and I didn’t think about how many steps I walked in a day (in fact, I didn’t want to know). I worked outside every day, I hauled hay and horse feed; I worked with horses and I went riding. We would go out on long trail rides every other day or two. Sometimes we’d go for an hour and sometimes we’d ride for four hours. I didn’t ‘work’ out or put myself through the ‘grind.’ I was physically active and I got all the benefits of … Continue reading →

Do Parents of Only Children Play with Their Children More?

My eldest daughter has a couple close friends who are only children—one of the topics that came up in the past was a discussion about whether or not only children got more “play time” with parents. I haven’t found any specific studies on this but thought it might make for an interesting conversation topic—I am wondering if those of us who have to split our time and attention between more than one child actually spend less time playing with our kids, or if the fact that siblings have each other to play with might influence them needing less parent play … Continue reading →

Make Sure You Play as Hard as You Work

I know I may be preaching to the choir, but we single parents tend to be a hard-working lot. When we do allow ourselves a little fun and play, “little” may be the operative word. A laugh with friends here, a dinner or movie out there. All in all, we don’t really let our hair down. Perhaps it is for fear of losing control or being irresponsible; or perhaps it is that some of us are combating that myth of the “partying” single parent. Regardless, if we want our lives to feel healthy and balanced, we need to learn how … Continue reading →