This week I had the opportunity to travel to New York City to meet Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of The View, and learn more about the Active Family Project.
The Active Family Project a new health and wellness initiative in the U.S. which helps inspire families to live life to the fullest by planning fun family activities using their activity finder. By scheduling a family playdate you can ensure quality, undisturbed time with your loved ones. In honor of Mother’s Day the Active Family Project and their celebrity spokesperson, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, are encouraging families to live a more active lifestyle and to celebrate the first annual National Family Playdate on May 11.
Elisabeth writing down her favorite playdate activity
“I’m inviting every mom to join me in taking back family playtime and to start living a healthier and more active lifestyle, no matter what the day brings,” said Elisabeth Hasselbeck. “It’s so important for all of us to be our best selves, and that includes not letting our to-do lists dominate our lives, so we can be more active with our families and set aside time to run around, play, laugh and enjoy one anothers company.”
Elizabeth sat down with us and had a little Q&A, but first she talked about the Active Family Project and what it means to her.
Here are some of my favorite points that she shared:
- If someone were to look at your calendar would it show that your family is a top priority?
- You need to schedule family time, otherwise it wont happen.
- Be there to teach your children about sportsmanship, and how to react when they don’t win.
Family time is so important. I can tell you first hand that planning a night each week to spend as a family will be life changing for your children. They will learn to respect and look up to you, which is oh so important in those teenage years. I was lucky enough to grow up in a family and a community that tried to set aside one evening a week for “Family Night.” The only requirements for a good Family Night are that family members are together, you have fun, and that you communicate. Just try it once and see how it goes! If you show your children that you value family time they will value it too.
At the event we also heard from Amy McCready, Fred Engh, and Erin Gifford
Here are just some of the parenting tips they shared with us:
- Moms need to coach their children’s recreational teams. Their patients is much needed for the 80% of children under the age of 12 who aren’t naturally athletic.
- Play with your children. Do what they want to do. You will see a better attitude from them and have a deeper emotional connection, which will lead to a better relationship.
- If your child prefers indoor activities start doing the activities they do like, then gradually start suggesting you go on a walk or a hike.
- Make a Play List for your fridge, full of activities you can do in 15 minutes or less. If you have ideas in front of you you’re more likely to do them. That way when there is a moment of boredom you can choose an activity quickly!
- Parents need to take control of the day, otherwise the day will get away from you and before you know it it’s four o’clock!
- Down time is ok too. That’s when the creative juices start flowing.
I can only tell you so much about the advantages of spending time together as a family! So get out of the house this weekend for the first annual National Family Playdate and spend time with your family! If you have to, tell them the one thing you want for Mother’s Day is to spend time with the people who matter most in your life…them!
