Fall Sports Guide – Keep Your Family Active Both On and Off the Field

By: Isabel Kallman
Founder of AlphaMom.com and VTech Advisory Council member

With the school year in full swing, I have seen many families preparing to dedicate a great deal of time to organized athletics schedules and pressing practice routines. Though older children are well-versed in participating in annual team sports, younger kids don’t always have an opportunity to stay active. With the following ideas and interactive products from VTech, each family member will be part of the fall sporting fun — on and off the field.

Move like Mom

I hear from many mothers that their ever-so-busy toddlers try to imitate them by jumping on at-home exercise equipment. But they didn’t know that even family members as young as 18 months can join in on physical activity fun. VTech knows that these children are searching for the active play their growing minds and bodies crave and have created the Jungle Gym™ line to harness the energy of those rambunctious toddlers. By pedaling Ride & Learn Giraffe or rowing Monkey Moves Smart Seat™ your little ones will stay moving while learning letters, objects, numbers, animals and melodies.

Support from the Sidelines

During siblings’ sporting events, your younger children can always be part of the team by appointing them as the older child’s “sports assistant.” At home, your tiny tot can take charge by gathering a sibling’s athletic gear, packing a sports bag and filling water bottles. Then when it comes to practice or game time, the youngster can be the most enthusiastic cheerleader from the sidelines by creating signs and personalized chants.

Compete Beyond the Couch

On rainy or chilly fall days, children can stay energetic indoors. The V.Smile Motion game console is the perfect solution for keeping kids off the couch, while having fun and learning at the same time. This wireless, motion-activated system offers head-to-head competitive play with new kid-friendly Smartridges; these action-packed games include titles kids know and love, such as Ni Hao Kai Lan, NASCAR, Monsters vs. Aliens, UP, Handy Manny and more. Your kids will master basics in phonics, spelling, math, science, logic and more while keeping active in the comfort of your home.

Organize Outdoor Play-Offs

Connect with the outdoors by arranging a tournament for the younger kids in your neighborhood. Some standard favorites that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy include games of Hop Scotch, Duck Duck Goose, Simon Says and Red Light Green Light. Not only will these outdoor games encourage your little kids to get up and moving, they will also foster social development. Furthermore, the older kids on the block can supervise the competitions by acting as referees and promoting good sportsmanship.