When I was growing up, every summer, my sister and I could always be found running around outside, roller skating, or hitting a tennis ball against the wall in our backyard. Now years later, I have two daughters who are also very active and have always made fun time active time. It's a family lifestyle that we all really enjoy.
I grew up with a priority to be active, and I have always tried to impart that to my own daughters. It's something that is not only beneficial, but has bonded us as a family.
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It all started from the time they were very young. I remember we used to play a game I called "Shark." Of course, I was the shark and I used a hula hoop as my "tank" where I would keep my fish food. The fish food was my two daughters. They would run and I would try and capture them and place them in the tank. We would always have a blast playing. It even became a neighborhood game and kids from around the block would ring the bell and ask if we could all come out and play. In fact, years later they still ring our bell so we can come out and play "Shark."
During play time, we also go out and play soccer in the yard or badminton with or without a net. We are always looking for fun things to do outside. Luckily, when my girls want something to do, the last thing they think of is television. It was something we never did really. I'm not anti-television by any means–it just never occurred to me and now it doesn't occur to them either. I love that about our active family.
My daughters were at my parent's house today–what we call Camp Abuela y Abuelo–and they are just as active with them as when they are with me. My parents take them golfing, sailing, and to the park as well. They were even in the backyard hitting a tennis ball against the same wall that my sister and I used to play on. It's all come full circle and I expect my daughters will do the same with their own children. Active family fun time will hopefully be their priority as well.
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