A game that is often of concern for parents, can now be played the fun and careful way with Moms and Dads!

Tug of war will help your child develop a strong grasp, gain strength in her/his arms and shoulders, and gain better balance. She'll/He'll also learn endurance, follow-through, and the important of not giving up!

Let your child hold a length of the rope or ribbon that's at least three feet long.

Show your child how to stand with her feet apart for balance.

Pull gently on one end.

Let your child pull and lead you around at first, to build her confidence.

You can tug using one hand, but your child will feel better if you appear to work as hard at this as she does, so use both hands.

When you tug harder, be careful to not topple her off her feet.

Make sure you've moved any sharp furniture out of the way and that there aren't any toys in the tug-of-war area that could hurt your child if she suddenly lets go.

With older kids, use stronger and stronger tugs so they can build strength.

Kickball is the perfect game for a warm beautiful day outside. Of course, a good way to work out energy inside the house as well for the cold wet days of the winter.

Kickball is a great way to practice gross motor skills, balance, timing, and concentration.

If your child is younger than 2, provide support by either standing behind him or standing him against the wall.

Place a soft ball against his/her foot and encourage him to kick it.

Gradually place the ball farther away from his foot.

If your toddler is 2 or older, set up a mini obstacle course with soft toys or empty shoe boxes, and help him move the ball around the objects.

Take your babe for a spin around the dance floor. From calming a fussy baby to getting a toddler excited about movement, this is great for children of all ages!

When you're dancing with your child, you're introducing them to rhythm, and helping to build coordination.

Put on a favorite CD or radio station. Mix it up! Play salsa, reggae, rock, and even classical.

Pick up your baby and dance around the room. (Softer more rocking motion for babies under 1 year). For your toddler, add a flying twirl or two for thrill.

Get creative! Serenade each other, please a little air guitar, or make up a funky dance step.

Play follow the leader. Copy your child's moves as they dance around the room, then switch so she has to do what you do!

Sometimes, the most exciting thing for children can be activities they do on their own that will promote learning, strength, and a wealth of qualities. Here's some suggestions we like: (click on the name to visit the website!)

The Wobble Deck is an Indoor/Outdoor Electronic Balance Board! Play 3 multi level balance games: Memory Match, Speed Play and Freestyle. Great for the mind and body. Improves sound and color recognition, reaction and reflexes, and fitness and coordination. -- Ages 5+

The Pioneer Kit is great for people who have never experienced Zome System. Builds the simplest models, from a "squashed" icosahedron, to a house, a flower, or a mathematically correct shadow of a 4-D cube. -- Ages 6+ ('95 Parenting Magazine Best Toy of the Year)

The perfect game for the entire family. Awesome for a great day out of the park or a rained in day inside -- Ages 3 & Up

These awesome round mats are also soft floor puzzles waiting to build your child's imagination. -- Ages 0+