***This Blog POP! Events Spring Fling March Madness content was brought to you by Little Tikes. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.
Momma Told Me: If you can't beat the game, make your own rules.
Spring is finally here and that means more sunshine, warmer weather, Spring Break and plenty of sports. In Texas it seems like there have been more gloomy days than not lately and the children seem to be getting a little stir crazy. With all the tablets, smartphones, and video game systems it's not quite as easy to keep children entertained as it was when I was a kid. Momma used to hand me 3 colors of chalk, a broom, and a spray bottle and send me outside with the understanding that I was 'not to return until called for dinner.'
Yes, these days it takes a lot more to get kids motivated and outside. If it's overcast it's 'too cold,' if it's sunny it's 'too bright,' and there never quite seems to be a reason to leave the comfort of the couch and unlimited Disney or Nick programming. But we have a secret, well, several, actually. The first is to get kids together. If you have multiple children, or a strong play group connection, gathering 3 or more kids for an afternoon outside will foster positive competition and even creativity. Sports are a great way to get kids active and engaged, even if they are not typically sports oriented. Simply encourage children to make their own rules and they will instantly become more engaged and invested in that which is going on.
First, get yourselves equipment that can grow with your children or accommodate various ages of participants. Having a basketball hoop like the Adjust 'N Jam from Little Tikes allows solo time dunking at it's shortest for toddlers, family time practicing mid-height, and room to grow up through ages 10-12 with a maximum 6 foot height. While Little Tikes makes several hoops, for all stages of your children's development, we like the
Adjust 'N Jam for it's lightweight (just add sand to the base) frame and convenient to store breakaway rim. It also ranges from 4'-6' with 5 simple to adjust height settings.
But brackets, rebounds, and boundaries can quickly bore kids. Let's face it, younger children get frustrated easily when they feel the task at hand is too hard. Playing with friends and siblings will allow for teamwork and growth, especially when you allow children to make up their own rules and boundaries. If you have children of varying heights stress the importance of passing and encourage children not to let the ball get thrown into the hoop until it has been in everyone's hands at least once a turn. This hot potato style allows even the younger kids to feel included even if they don't quite have the dunking or swooshing skills down yet.
Speaking of younger kids- our smallest family member is finally ready to hit the roads in his Little Tikes
Cozy Coupe 3-In-1 Mobile Entertainer you may remember from this
previous feature, where Nathan was yet to be born! While mom's glad he's not quite zooming around the yard this cutie insists on being a part of the action while his brother and sisters master the art of court negotiation. At some point Sabrina felt it was unfair that her baby brother was left grounded on the sidelines and the kids decided to let him make his first slam dunk- with a little help of course. We're sure the Little Tikes Adjust 'N Jam basketball hoop will get plenty of use by him as he gets older!
Remember how we said children will invest in sports and outdoor activities when given the freedom to make their own rules? Instantly become the coolest parent on the street when you add the Little Tikes
3 Foot Trampoline to your outdoor collection and just see how long it takes for those creative kiddos to begin swooshing their dunks with a little extra bounce. This 55lb capacity toddler trampoline is intended for use indoors with its rubber grip feet and easy grip handle. Your tots can jump safely while holding onto the standing bar without the feat of misdirection in jumping.
I should note that the 3 foot trampoline is designed exclusively for indoor use, and outdoor use it solely at your own discretion- regardless, you should always supervise your child on any form of trampoline regardless of the setting. If bouncing indoors make sure to leave a 3 foot minimum border around the trampoline clear of any furniture and ensure that all surrounding floors are free of clutter or debris. While we have a rule that the trampoline is only to be used while a minimum of one hand is holding the support bar, the excitement of swooping sometimes gets the better of the kiddos so there is always an older sister (or helicopter parent) very close by.
Together the Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline make one winning lineup for Springtime fun. Basketball season is in full swing and there has never been a better time to get you children engaged with sports and outdoor activities. These Little Tikes products are not only designed with children in mind, but ease of use and storage for adults as well. Even with the weighted base the basketball hoop is easily moveable from one end of the yard into the garage, we only wish the handle on the trampoline somehow folded, but understand it's stationery presence is a good safety feature in itself.
What will sort of activities will your children be enjoying outdoors this Spring?
What Daughter Says: Help kids stay active with creative solutions and introductory sports equipment from Little Tikes.
One Momma Told Me reader will win an Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline prize bundle from Little Tikes.
