Every hour children play video games or watch television may double their risk of obesity, a new study published in Obesity Research suggests.

As an exercise scientist and mom I worry about the next generation being more sedentary than ever. It makes sense if children are spending hours sitting in front of a television or video game and not moving that they're going to increase their risk of obesity and the diseases associated with being overweight.

I thought today I'd share a list of the fun things my boys and I do instead of watching TV. Not all of them are active, but they promote creativity, social skills, and fun.

- Sports - our favorites are playing catch with a football, wrestling on the carpet, kicking a soccer ball around and practicing baseball or basketball
- Playing hide and seek
- Playing board games or card games - my boys' favorites are Go Fish, Sorry and Risk (notice I said the boys' favorites, not mine!)
- Reading stories together - we love chapter books. Lately we've devoured the Peter and The Starcatchers series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pierson and the Superfudge series by Judy Blume.
- Going on a bike ride or walk
- Playing at the park
- Drawing pictures
- Visiting our elderly friends
- Going to the library or book store
- Playing Playdough or doing craft projects - I am horrible at craft projects, but Parenting magazine will often have fun and easy ideas that I can handle.
- Making magic potions or baking together
- Setting up an obstacle course in the basement or backyard
- Building forts out of blankets
- Jumping on the tramp
- Playing in the sand
- Having battles with Playmobils or Imaginext knights and pirates
- Chasing for a kiss - the boys run around screaming, if I catch them I get to kiss them
- Dancing to music
- Making a band with pots, pans and cooking utensils
- Cleaning or doing yard-work together - my favorite, but not so high on the boys' list, but I have found when we work side by side they are a lot more productive and happy about it.
- Letting them earn a dollar and then taking them to the dollar store to spend it - again, their favorite, I'd prefer they save their money.
- Playing silly games like airplane on Mom's feet or horse rides on Mom's knees or holding their leg and hand and spinning until we lose equilibrium.

I'm sure all of you could come up with hundreds of better ideas. Please post them through the comments if you'd like. I'd love to hear them.

Hope you have a great day with your family - Cami

http://www.camichecketts.com