How To Get Children Moving While Playing Video Games

We got rid of our video games about 6 years ago for several reasons, but mostly because we didn't like the fact that it encourages laziness. My husband and I see the benefits in remaining active, and we like to encourage our children to do the same!

When my parents wanted to get our family a "Wii" for Christmas last year, we thought that was a great idea!
Mainly, because we live in a small house and there are many athletic, interactive games that we could do as a family to help keep us active during the colder winter months and during the unbearably hot summer months. Games like tennis, bowling, golf, etc., where you actually do the moves as if you were participating in that sport. However, one of the games is "Mario Kart" and that's a sit down game. I didn't like our children just sitting and playing a video game. So, I came up with the idea of telling them they could play that game, as long as they remained active while playing it.

My solution??? Exercise balls! They may only play Mario Kart for a specified period of time (and after chores are done), only if they bounce on exercise balls while they play! We only have 2 balls, and 3 controllers, so they take turns. It works, and the children enjoy it! The best part is that I rarely have to remind them to get the exercise balls when they play.

Video games, like anything else can be used for good or bad. We choose to use them for good! We encourage our children to set a timer when they play (usually no more than 15-30 minutes at a time). They also must take turns. They only play when their other work is done. My husband and I do try to model "work before rest and play."

***Our caveat: We only play video games in extreme moderation. Our children only play once in awhile. Some video games have been known to actually alter brain chemistry in children. And, some children who naturally have addictive tendencies to certain things, could easily become addicted to video games.