6 ways to increase your kids activity level during holiday shopping

I took my grandson to see Santa Claus today at the mall.  It was so cute seeing all the children anxiously waiting in line to talk with Santa and take their picture.  It is such a wonderful holiday tradition.  

While you are taking your kids to the mall to see Santa or do your holiday shopping, there are some ways you can add a little exercise into your trip.

• before leaving the house, do a few stretches with the kids, reach high, touch your toes (have each child lead one stretch)
• put a pedometer on the kids and have them keep track of all the steps they take while at the mall.  
• park your car at the furthest end of the garage so you have to walk further to and from the mall
• take the stairs in stead of the elevator or escalator
• when you get home, have everyone chart their steps on a tracker
• before sitting down to eat, do 5 squats together!

You know it is the simple little things that really add up.  Keeping it fun and positive for the kids makes them more likely to want to participate.  The younger the child is and the more enthusiastic you are, the easier it will be to get them involved.  

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