I am excited to share a mission that I feel is super important when it comes to my daughter and other young female children. Play Like A Girl® is a campaign to raise awareness of the lack of inactivity in girls today. I know I can be super guilty of allowing Vivian to sit idly on our iPad and play her favorite games just so I can get some chores done around the house or work on my blog and respond to client emails. But at this age, it is more important than ever to instill and encourage her to be moving around and not staring at a computer screen.
No more “it’s too cold to be outside” weather excuses for us. With the weather warming up and all of the sunshine, I realize that I need to make it more of a priority to get her outside and to be active. (Also, I can’t get too comfortable inside with my air conditioner either!!) Since Viv has two brothers who enjoy being outdoors riding bikes and playing basketball, that I need to involve her in playing with them whatever they decide to be doing. Because even though she’s the youngest, she can totally hang if I put her in that position, and this will lead to a happier, healthier, and more confident girl!
Here are some key points as to why this initiative of #bringbackplay is so important for our girls :
- Today more than 12.5 million American girls are overweight or obese. Millions more are physically inactive and missing out on sports which have been shown to contribute to higher test scores, less risky behaviors, increased likelihood of college attendance, higher earnings potential and reduced risk of chronic disease.
- Play Like A Girl nonprofit organization is committed to raising awareness about the importance of physical activity in the lives of girls – especially in the Deep South (where we live) where obesity rates are highest.
- Play Like A Girls mission is to inspire girls everywhere to live happier and healthier by promoting physical activity as a path to lifelong success.
- Play Like A Girl leverages the collective power of women to unify and deliver the early positive experiences girls need to develop a lasting passion for active play, physical activity and sports.
So right now with the combo of her weekly gymnastics class, the swimming pool being open, and scooter riding, we are doing our best to keep encouraging our girl to be active. I was a big dancer growing up from the age of 3, anything ballet, tap, jazz related. I lived and breathed dancing and feel it was a wonderful activity that truly helped me through the years in my physical fitness and discipline wise and so I want the same for Vivian. Of course I’d love for her to follow in my dancing footsteps, but whatever sport or activity she decides to follow, I’m all for, just as long as she’s moving!!
The great thing about Vivian, is that even when she decides she wants to ride her scooter and run around outside, she doesn’t loose her sense of fashion! (If you’re curious about those cute pink jelly shoes above, I got them for her here at Nordstrom.com. The soles are thick enough for bike riding and being on a scooter or for getting wet while at the swimming pool!) I find I get way more smiles from her when we she is being active but also when she can express her sense of style. Want to wear a dress while you’re on the monkey bars or riding your scooter? Go right ahead, just do it!! That’s the beauty of being a girl, right?
If you are interested in finding out more about Play Like A Girl® click HERE, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
What are you doing to bring back play? I’d love to hear in the comments below on what your favorite childhood activity was and how you kept busy!
