This Study Offers New Insight Into Toddler Language Development

by Erica LoopOctober 31, 2019

New research published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology sheds light on how toddlers learn new words—and it might surprise you!

Researchers from the University of East Anglia investigated how 18- to 24-month-olds learn language. More specifically, how they learn new words in the context of words they already know and words that are new to them.

photo: Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

According to Dr. Larissa Samuelson, from UEA’s School of Psychology, “Previous work suggests that when children hear a word they do not know and an object they have never seen in the context of some objects that they can already name, such as a toy or a ball, they guess the new word refers to the new thing.”

Samuelson went on to add, “We wanted to know if the strength of a child’s knowledge of familiar things, how well they know what ‘cars’ or ‘balls’ are, mattered for learning new words and remembering them.” So what did the researchers find?

photo: RawPixel

After teaching 82 children two new words (“zeb” for a honey-dipper and “yok” for a strainer), they introduced a third new object/word. The researchers then asked the children to get the newest item (a bird toy named “blick”) when it was presented with the “zeb” and “yok,” and again with objects they already knew.

Even though the toddlers were able to link the new word to the bird toy in the presence of the items they already knew, they were also able to do so when the researchers placed the “blick” with the “zeb” and the “yok.”

While this isn’t exactly surprising, the researchers did find that after a five-minute coloring break, the toddlers were better able to remember the “blick” in the presence of the new objects/words. Samuelson said, of the findings, “”We had expected that a stronger knowledge of familiar words would be better for learning new words, but we found the opposite was true.” She went on to add, “It seems counterintuitive, but it is perhaps because the less well-known items don’t compete with the new words as much. If they learn new words in the context of playing with well-known items such as a ball, book or car, they don’t process the new word as much.”

What does this mean for you? According to this study, you might have a new way to teach your tot!

—Erica Loop

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How I Positively Changed the Relationship with My Kids

By Abbey Fatica

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 9, 2019

Photo: Connor Wilkins on Unsplash

Most days we are going through the motions, trying to get from point A to point B. We are thinking about what we have to do during the day or stewing about past events. The day rushes along as we hurry to school, work, activities, even running errands.

What happens when we get in to this busy, chaotic, fast-paced way of life? People begin to irritate us, we get annoyed faster, and our anger is at an all-time high. It’s not only the strangers we interact with in traffic jams or stores, it’s the people closest to us that get the really lashing out.

It all seems to stem from the mentality of “it’s my way or the highway.” When things aren’t acting out according to your plan, your loved ones pick up on that negative vibe and throw it right back at you.

Love and Gratitude Really Works.

Lately, I’ve been working on finding things I love about the people in my life, really feeling gratitude for everything and not letting the little things irritate me.

What I realized is that I was irritated a lot. I would always think of myself as a happy, go-lucky person, but man, those negative thoughts had their way of creeping in. What I used to think of as annoying still might come at me the same way initially, but then I remember to flip it to love. My eye rolls could compete with that of a teenager.

Once I paused to let go of the negativity I was projecting in my life and started focusing on everything I loved, it became easier to relax around my children. I no longer get irritated when they interrupt me while I am working because I know in their head they have something important to tell me. They want to share their revelation with me. Their enthusiasm for everything is one of the many things I love about them.

Let the Inner Control Freak Go.

I was (am/recovering) a control freak and got irritated, disappointed, and angry when things didn’t go as planned. I like to be punctual and when people are moving like sloths in my house, my anxiety rises. Schedules are my jam: bedtime, mealtime, getting to school on time, you name it I love to stick to it.

This is no way to live and it puts me on edge around my kids. You know the phrase, “Don’t cry over spilled milk?” Well, usually I scream and yell over a drop of water on the ground.

I let these little irritations get to me and then become frustrated with the people I love. Sure, people are going to do things differently than I would but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are doing it wrong.

The thing that really gets me is that I’m letting my emotions get the best of me. This isn’t the true me. It’s the one looking at the worst possible situation and worrying about what is going to happen. The real me is the happy, easy-going, loveable, grateful one who is trying her hardest to shine through a feeling of lack.

This Doesn’t Mean I’m A Pushover.

Relaxing a bit, focusing on what I love about the person in a moment of frustration, and living in a constant state of gratitude has helped me flip the switch. But this doesn’t mean I’ve let my kids off the hook.

They still have to have manners when asking for things. They have to clean up after themselves and will never walk all over me.

What I have seen in even a couple days of focusing on the good is that they react differently in situations. They have begun feeding off my positive energy and aren’t being snarky back to me. I even caught my youngest being helpful without having to ask him.

All people, even kids, pick up on your energy, good or bad and will throw it back at you with the same intensity. So if I want my kids to do something willingly then I need to come at them with appreciation and kindness, instead of demanding them to fulfill my request immediately.

This all sounds good in theory but what does this look like in real-time?

What Parenting With Intention Means to Me:

1. Less irritation among all members of my family

2. Less fighting with my kids

3. Letting go of controlling each situation

4. Really paying attention to my kids when they speak

5. Single-tasking, i.e. slowing down

6. Complete awareness that each child needs me to parent differently

7. Independent children want to do more when there is less nagging

8. Appreciating good deeds and acts of kindness

9. More hugs, kisses, and cuddles reminding myself of what I love about them

10. Mutual respect

11. Teachable moments in a calm manner

12. Spending more time together

13. Not forcing my methods on anyone

14. Embracing their individuality

15. Remembering to be mindful of the way I make requests. They are not demands.

16. Being in the present moment instead of worrying about future/past events

17. BREATHE before reacting (Is what happening right now the worst thing ever? No mess is worth the anger.)

18. Stay positive, think positive, feel positive. Love and gratitude towards everyone and everything will trump all negativity.

This post originally appeared on Medium.

Abbey Fatica

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Abbey Fatica was born and raised a Buckeye. She, her husband, four kids and their dog live near Columbus, Ohio. Her interest for writing started after she had kids when becoming a mother provided a lot of material she needed to extract out of her head.

Tumbling Act: Gymnastics Classes in the Bay Area

by Sandra LeeSeptember 5, 2019

If you’ve got a little one who loves to jump off couches or practice forward rolls on hardwood floors, it might be time to look at enrolling in a gymnastics class. From one that is all about competition to a unique space that uses circus art as a part of their program, check out our picks on where to sign your little athlete up to practice those jumps, flips and balancing tricks.

photo: Acrosports

San Francisco

AcroSports
A non-competitive, fun and unique space, AcroSports in San Francisco is definitely one that embraces creative movement through gymnastics. Little ones as young as 15 months old can crawl through an LED tunnel and explore obstacle courses while older kids can learn the basics on the bars, beam and vault. Their circus arts are also worth mentioning where kids can take classes in aerial arts and parkour.

639 Fredrick St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: acrosports.org

American Gymnastics Club
Whether your kid wants a place to begin learning about gymnastics or is ready to compete, this traditional gymnastics studio has a program for just that. Pre-K classes start as young as 18 months with parent participation and use imaginative play and themes to encourage movement to build strength, flexibility and coordination. The competitive program for both boys and girls builds on a gymnastics foundation, requiring a bigger time commitment and the opportunity to compete on a team.

390 Bayshore Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
Online: americangymnasticsclub.com

San Francisco Gymnastics
This Presido gym is all about having fun with gymnastics. The Tumblebugs program is super popular, with classes starting at age one as Little Bugs and moving up to Busy Bees, Grasshoppers, Crickets and finally Spiders by seven years old. Afterwards, young gymnasts ages 7-15 can take recreational gymnastics classes or compete on a team.

1405 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA
Online: sanfranciscogymnastics.com

Head Over Heels Gymnastics
Recreational and non-competitive, this mobile program set up shop in North Beach and Marina to share the love of gymnastics to the youngest of students. Classes start at three years old with a gymnastics/circus arts combo class (even juggling!) to learn flexibility, strength and motor skills. Teens can sign up for the Acrobatics and Tumbling class to learn more advanced gymnastics and even try out their partnering balance!

2125 Powell St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: headoverheelssf.com

photo: Bay Aerials Gymnastics

East Bay

Bay Aerials Gymnastics
From preschool camps to their ninja zone, Bay Aerials Gymnastics in Fremont is all about spreading positivity and self esteem through gymnastics. There are no sessions at this gym, so kids can sign up year round as long as spots are available. The Ninja Zone Program is centered on finding a way to channel energy and impulses in a focused way with a class that combines obstacle courses, martial arts and street dancing for kids at least three years of age.

4882 Davenport Place
Fremont, CA
Online: bayaerials.com

Diablo Gymnastics School
This 10,000-sq. ft. facility stocked with foam pits, uneven bars, vault stations and top-of-the-line mats just celebrated their 50^th anniversary of teaching young gymnasts the sport of gymnastics. Classes at this San Ramon gym start at two years old with the Kindergym and move up to recreational gymnastics for boys and girls once kiddos hit first grade. Opportunities to compete on a team as well as camps and an annual showcase allow kids of all ages to show off their new skills.

2411-J Old Crow Canyon Rd.
San Ramon, CA
Online: diablogym.net

Bay Island Gymnastics
From little ones just starting to walk to teens serious about competing in the sport, this Oakland gym has the ability to really grow with your kid. The Parent Assist Program features mini versions of standard equipment to keep toddlers engaged and excited. For boys and girls wanting to compete, the award-winning gymnastics space is the only one in the Oakland and Alameda area to offer competitive level classes as part of the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program.

3775 Alameda Ave., Suite E
Oakland, CA
Online: bayislandgymnastics.com

Golden Bears Gymnastics Club
Part of Berkeley Recreational Sports, The Golden Bear Gymnastics Club holds classes for toddlers and adults alike. Classes start at 18 months in the Bear Cubs Program and level up to the Kinder Bears before branching out to girl and boy gymnastics. Summer camps, Cub Camp, Parents Night Out and gymnastics parties are all available for your child to play and learn. With the goal to develop physical strength and confidence, this gymnastics space is a favorite for parents of budding gymnasts.

2301 Bancroft Way
Berkely, CA
Online: recsports.berkeley.edu

photo: Tumbletown

Peninsula

Tumbletown/San Mateo Gymnastics
35 years and counting, this well-known Peninsula gym has been teaching kids of all ages the sport of gymnastics, whether it’s just for fun or to compete in national competitions. Little ones as young as 18 months can join the Munchkins Program to learn the basics, explore the space and expand their individual abilities until they reach five years old. Five and older classes are held at the main gym, and once kids reach the higher levels, they can train to compete in state, regional, national and even international competitions.

1306 Elmer St.
Belmont, CA
Online: sanmateogymnastics.com

Peninsula Gymnastics
A Bay Area family favorite with locations in San Carlos and San Mateo, this gym offers classes starting at two years old with the goal to progress and develop new skills. They are official members of the USA Gymnastics Club and their 15,000-sq. ft. facility is state of the art with trampolines, foam pits, tumble track, vaulting stations and an Olympic-sized floor. With in-house competitions and annual shows, there are numerous opportunities to show off those tumbling tricks.

1740 Leslie St.
San Mateo, CA
Online: peninsulagym.com

Accel Gymnastics
For a gym that meets every parent’s needs, this gymnastics space is worth looking into. Little ones start at the Preschool Gym, move up to the Accel Academy, and then remain at the Team Training Center for the competitive team. There is also a parents room and babysitting room for younger siblings. Lounge viewing area and plenty of parking makes this an easy class to get to.

888 Hinckley Rd.
Burlingame, CA
Online: accelgymnastics.com

Bayshore Elite Gymnastics
This Redwood City gym houses 15,000-sq. ft. of Olympic equipment to encourage the love of gymnastics at the youngest of ages. Their Monkey preschool classes start at just one year old (with parent participation) all the way up to age six before moving up to girls and boys gymnastics. There is also an opportunity to be a part of a team and compete in either the Junior Olympics or the Bayshore Elite Team. Playtime at the Jungle Gym is fun for all levels and the Open Gym is designed for those looking to work on skills.

2694 Middlefield Rd., Suite A
Redwood City, CA
Online: bayshoreelite.com

photo: David B. via Yelp

South Bay

Apex Gymnastics
With a focus on safety, technique and fun, Apex Gymnastics in San Jose offers classes for kids of all levels. Preschool Gymnastics are for ages one to six years old and move up to recreational gymnastics before given the opportunity to join a team to compete by invitation only. Open play is available for kids ages six and under to practice those skills and just have fun. With a 7:1 student to teacher ratio in all levels, you can be sure your little one is getting the most individualized attention.

3751 C Charter Park Ct.
San Jose, CA
Online: apexgym.net

Twisters Sports
We love that this sports facility puts a focus on the individual character as well as the love for gymnastics. By building an atmosphere that is caring and trustworthy, students are able to grow in a supportive environment. Both recreational and competitive gymnastics are offered at this Sunnyvale gym starting at 18 months with the Little Twisters Program. Although gymnastics is one part of the clubs activities, Twisters Sports also offers Tae Kwon Do, Dancing and a Kids Club.

1165 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
Online: twisterssportscenter.com

Airborne Gymnastics
With a variety of programs for any skill level, Airborne Gymnastics in Santa Clara has you covered. The Preschool Program introduces the love of gymnastics to pre-walkers with parent participation. Once little gymnasts reach five years old, they can join the Dynamos, the recreational program as well as girls and boy’s separate gymnastics program. Other programs include Tumbling and Trampoline, Developmental and Parkour for students interested in taking their skills to the next level.

1515 Walsh Ave.
Santa Clara, CA
Online: airborne-gymnastics.com

California Sports Center
California Sports Center is a host for kid’s classes including dance and swimming and their gymnastics division is just as loved by Bay Area parents. With preschool, school age and competitive gymnastics classes as well as specialty classes like Tumbling and Trampoline, your kid will receive top-notch instruction by teachers who love the sport. They have eight locations in the South Bay including San Jose and Santa Clara, so you can be sure to find a class time and location that works for you.

Various Locations
Online: calsportscenter.com

photo: Marin Elite Gymnastics

North Bay

Marin Elite Gymnastics Academy
For over 40 years, this San Rafael gymnastics facility has been teaching kids as young as two years old what the sport is all about. With a small teacher to student ratio, teachers make sure to track students progress with evaluations and skill tracking every eight weeks. With preschool classes, girls and boy’s levels and trampoline specific classes for those wanting to learn flips and routines, this gym really does cater to every kid. Daily camps are also available for parents interested in enrolling their child during school breaks.

72 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA
Online: megagymnastics.com

Pyramid Gymnastics
If individual attention is what you’re looking for in a gymnastics class, Pyramid Gymnastics in San Rafael is one to check out. Instead of holding multiple classes at the same time, this gym holds only one class at a time to minimize distractions and wait times with equipment while giving as much individualized attention as possible. With a low class size of 7-8 students and passionate teachers, Pyramid is the longest running gym in Marin County. Classes start at three years old all the way to 18 years and train students in the Women’s four Olympic events and Men’s six events.

647 Irwin St., Suite D
San Rafael, CA
Online: thepyramidgym.com

Cal-Star Gymnastics
As soon as your little one turns a year old, Cal-Star Gymnastics in Novato has classes to start teaching the sport of gymnastics in a friendly and supportive environment. Whether the goal is to join a competitive team or build strength and get that boundless energy out, this gym has been serving Novato families for over 20 years. Cal-Star also hosts an all-star cheerleading program for juniors and seniors with the opportunity to compete in national competitions.

70 Digital Dr., Suite 3
Novato, CA
Online: calstar.info

Pacific Edge Gymnastics Academy
This Fairfield gym teaches toddlers as young as 18 months how to tumble, balance and jump with trained teachers in a class of just six students. Kids wanting to continue their training can move up in skill level and even compete on a team. Ninja Zone classes and wrestling are also offered to give students something different to challenge their developing skills and channel energy in a different way. With summer camps and open gym times, kids can be a part of Pacific Edge Gymnastics all year round.

1745 Enterprise Dr., Suite A
Fairfield, CA
Online: pacificedgegymnasticsacademy.com

—Sandra Lee

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These New LEGO Education Sets Bring STEAM Skills to Preschoolers

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 21, 2019

LEGO Education and the non-profit FIRST have just released a brand new FIRST LEGO program for early learners to help them develop STEAM skills starting as early as preschool.

FIRST LEGO League Jr. Discovery Edition brings the same STEAM-inspired concepts of the FIRST LEGO League to kids ages four to six-years-old. For the uninitiated, FIRST LEGO League is a program designed for kids ages six-16 to participate in STEM-based challenges in teams. The teams compete to find solutions to real-world problems based around an annual STEAM theme.

While there is no competitive component to the Discovery program it was developed to help both educators and parents foster an interest in STEAM for early learners and help young students “build their habits of learning grounded in STEAM concepts, including problem-solving, persistence and the process of questioning.”

The FIRST LEGO League Jr. Discovery program is designed to be used in the classroom. Based on feedback from parents, however, LEGO Education found that many parents don’t know where to start when teaching their 5-year-old STEM skills. The new Discover More Parent Engagement sets made with LEGO Duplo bricks can be used to engage kids at home alongside the classroom learning.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO Education

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Even eBay Is Getting in on Amazon’s Prime Day Fever

by Erica LoopJuly 1, 2019

Prime Day 2019 is coming soon and it’s jam packed with big deals Amazon Prime members will love. And other big outlets are tapping into that online shopping frenzy with deals fo their own.

Shortly after Amazon announced its two-day Prime Day 2019, Target also announced its own two-day “Deal Days” sale—both for Jul. 15-16. Now eBay is getting in on the action, announcing its own Jul. 15 sale.

photo: Victoria Heath via Unsplash

The e-retailer will have some serious deals on fave brands, reportedly including Apple, LG, KitchenAid, Samsung and more.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Bruce Mars via Pexels

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Carrie Underwood Proves “Everyone’s a Critic” with Sweet IG Video

by Erica LoopJune 24, 2019

When your mom is a famous celeb singer, lullabies take on a whole new meaning. Country star Carrie Underwood recently proved this point in a sweet Instagram video.

Like fans across the globe, Underwood’s five-month-old son Jacob is majorly into his mama’s voice. But when it comes to daddy’s crooning—well, the little guy just isn’t into it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood)

Underwood shared a cute clip featuring baby Jacob, herself, and hubby Mike Fisher. When Underwood shares her vocal talents, Jacob is all smiles. But when dad takes over lullaby duty, those completely cute little giggles turn into cries.

The singer (Underwood, as Jacob proves) also added, “Everyone’s a critic” to the IG caption. When your wife is a Grammy winner, you can’t really compete in the lullaby category.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Carrie Underwood via Instagram

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The New LEGO Education Sets That’ll Turn Your Kids Into Future Engineers

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 19, 2019

What if playtime could turn young minds into tomorrow’s innovators? That’s exactly the inspiration behind the new LEGO Education architecture-themed sets for FIRST LEGO League.

The focus on STEM education isn’t just about encouraging kids to love math and science, it’s about opening up their eyes to future career paths and helping their minds develop the critical thinking skills necessary to become future engineers. The 2019 FIRST LEGO League has just introduced new architecture-themed building sets that are all about giving young builders hands on experience with solving the large-scale problems, like transportation and overcrowding that real cities face today.

For the uninitiated, FIRST LEGO League is a program designed for kids ages nine-16 to participate in STEM-based challenges in teams. The teams compete to find solutions to real-world problems based around a STEAM theme. Previous year’s themes have included “Hydro Dynamics,” exploring how we use water, and “Into Orbit” navigating the challenges of space exploration.

This year’s theme is focused on urban planning. The program also features FIRST LEGO Jr., which is designed for kids 6-10 in non-competitive teams completing smaller projects. The FIRST LEGO League was founded in 1998 and now has over 320,000 participants in 98 countries around the world.

The teams are only allowed to use the LEGO Education sets specifically created for each year’s theme. LEGO Education has just unveiled the two new sets for this year’s focus on architecture. The BOOMTOWN BUILD, which is designed for FIRST LEGO Jr. teams and is centered around building a city to accommodate all different types of people, and CITY SHAPER, which is designed for FIRST LEGO and requires teams to build and code an autonomous LEGO Education robot to complete the series of architecture-themed missions on the competition mat/playing field.

“If you meet students where they are, challenge them appropriately, allow them meaningful failures, they will ultimately succeed, and this builds their confidence and desire to learn more, try more and stretch themselves and their learning,” said Esben Stærk Jørgensen, president of LEGO Education. “We believe all students can gain confidence in STEAM through hands-on learning. We are excited for all FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr. participants to build their confidence in learning while competing with our newest architecture-themed sets and now with the addition of our intuitive and adaptive LEGO Education SPIKE Prime.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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A Free Harry Potter Summer Camp? Sign Us Up!

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 11, 2019

Looking for something educational and free to do this summer that kids will actually be excited about? Microsoft Store has just announced a free Harry Potter summer camp among several other exciting options.

You can now sign up your STEM and magic-loving campers for free summer camp sessions at Microsoft Store locations across the country. The camps are designed to teach kids coding skills in a fun and exciting way, like creating their own video games or learning to code in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

The free camps include:

Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop (Ages six and up)

Campers will get hands-on coding lessons using the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit.

Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop (Ages eight and up)

Using the same kits older campers will learn more advanced coding skills to cast spells and compete in a Quidditch Match.

Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills (Ages eight -12 and Ages 13 and up)

Campers explore teamwork, effective communication and resilience while strategizing how to put these skills into action during Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments.

Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade (Ages eight and up)

Campers will design and create their own video games with MakeCode Arcade. By the end kids will compete in a tournament where they play the video games created by other campers.

All of the camps offered are free of charge, but you must register in advance to participate, either online here or at your local Microsoft Store. Dates and times of the camps will vary by location.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Microsoft Store

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This 13-Year-Old Soccer Phenom Just Made Her-Story Signing a Deal With Nike

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 8, 2019

From that first day that you pack up team snacks and send your tot out onto the soccer field, it’s hard to imagine they might someday become a professional, but for the parents of 13-year-old Olivia Moultrie, it’s already a reality.

At 11 years old, Olivia became the youngest girls’ soccer player to publicly accept a college scholarship and two years later at 13, she has just become the youngest to turn pro. Giving up her scholarship, Olivia has just signed a deal with Nike and is on track to become one of the greatest professional players in her sport.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olivia Moultrie (@olivia_moultrie)

Olivia, who has been homeschooled since she was in fifth grade (to make time for training) said in a 2017 interview, “I really became passionate about soccer when my dad and I made the decision to start working as hard as I do now. When I started treating every day like an opportunity and training to be a professional, I really fell in love with the process of trying to become great.”

The young athlete still has a long road ahead as the National Women’s Soccer League and FIFA rules require that athletes must be at least 18 to compete. For now she joins the Thorns in Portland, Oregon as a developmental player. Despite not being able to play in a match for five more years, this incredible young woman has already made her mark on history.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Olivia Moultrie via Instagram

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6 Unexpected & Easy Ways to Get Your Family More Active in 2019

By Cami Hawkins

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 31, 2019

Photo: Marathon Kids

For just a minute, let’s pretend that we treat eating the same way we treat physical activity. After all, kids need 60 minutes of physical activity every day just like they need to eat. This game is funny because it shows how easily we make excuses to get out of exercise.

For example, have you ever skipped a workout because the weather was bad? Now imagine telling your kids, “We’ll eat tomorrow when the sun comes back out.”

Or maybe you didn’t exercise because you didn’t have enough time to do a full workout. For food, that would be like saying, “I don’t have enough time to cook this recipe, we’ll skip eating today and eat more tomorrow.”

And this one is my favorite: for kids who don’t want to run because they aren’t fast, in terms of eating, it’s like saying, “They don’t want dinner because they aren’t a food critic.”

Ridiculous right?

Physical activity isn’t just for athletes—it’s for everyone—just like eating isn’t just for food critics.
When we put it in that context, we can also let go of a lot of pressures and stipulations that lead to excuses. You don’t have to follow a formal workout regimen or compete. You only need to be active!

And the benefits of simply being active are huge!

Exercise does so much more than manage weight and build muscles. Kids who get plenty of exercise have stronger hearts, lungs and bones. Exercise helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, decreases the likelihood of cancer and increases emotional well-being. And when kids develop good exercise habits, they are more likely to be active as adults too.

Each and every bit of activity should be celebrated. All a kid really needs is to be active every day and that is good enough. Getting enough physical activity is not about being really good at sports, you just need to create the habit of moving.

As the CEO of Marathon Kids, a non-profit that helps schools, communities and families get moving, I get to brag about all our kids that walk or run four marathons. At the end of our program, it looks really impressive, 104.8 miles! This might seem intimidating at first, but it is totally attainable if you do a few simple things.

Our program is built on six pillars and if you adopt these into your family, you’ll be impressed with how easy it is to drop the excuses and be an active family.

1. Set (Really) Short & Long Term Goals

Setting a goal is great. Setting a lot of goals is even better. We start with the the long-term goal of running or walking 104.8 miles. Then we break it down into the four marathons and then into quarter mile increments. Then we make goals of how often we run or walk. Before you know it, you have something to celebrate every day, which is a big motivator.

2. Track Every Bit of Progress

If you walk, it counts. If you run, it counts. And even if you ride your bike, it counts. The point is to move, so we don’t disqualify types of movement. It’s all progress.

You want to make sure you are tracking even the smallest amount of progress. If you are super busy and only manage a fourth of a mile, that still counts! When you track each bit of progress, it shows kids that every step counts.

3. Find Social Circle of Support

We’re social creatures. If you can build a community of people who are all working towards the same goal, even if it’s just your family, it makes it a lot easier to achieve.

4. Model the Way

Kids and especially young kids, will mimic their parents. If they see that you make physical activity a priority, they are more likely to make it a priority. This is one of the main reasons we started the Marathon Kids at Home program. MKAH is for parents and kids who want to reach 104.8 miles together.

5. Reward Milestones

Incentives help a lot. We partnered with Nike and reward Marathon Kids with exclusive gear when they complete each marathon. You can also get these rewards if you sign up for the MKAH program, but any kind of prize will work.

6. Celebrate Each & Every Win

Plan to celebrate each and every win. Make an event of it! It’s one thing to receive a reward, it’s another to revel in the experience of reaching your goals.

Of course, you can plan a big party to celebrate running 104.8 miles, but don’t forget to celebrate the small wins too. If your kid is having a tough day, you celebrate that they pushed through it. High fives and a “Good job!” are great for small wins along the way.

Cami Hawkins

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Cami Hawkins is the CEO of Marathon Kids, a non-profit with running programs that show kids they can achieve more than they ever thought possible and puts them on the path to healthier lives.

ML Interest Tag: compete

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