Nintendo Wii: Keeping Kids Active All Winter Long

It is no secret that during the winter season most children do not experience as much active, outdoor play time as they do during other seasons. Since Nintendo Wii is more readily available in department stores than in the dawn of its release, now may be a perfect time to start thinking about an alternative winter activity to keep your child active. If you are still thinking the Wii is similar to your first NES Nintendo System do not worry. Nintendo's newest release does not even compare to their newest release.

There are many Wii games that allow you to sit in a chair and play with a controller if you prefer the traditional way of playing video games. If you are looking for more physically active game play for your child with age appropriate levels of software that they will actually be able to maneuver Nintendo Wii makes those options available as well.

Many sports games for the Wii offer multiple sports on one disc. Wii Sports is rated E (for everyone age 6 and up) and is included with the console at purchase. Boxing, golf, tennis, bowling, and baseball are included on Wii Sports and can be played at any level of expertise. Winter sports are available too, such as snow boarding and skiing if you are in fact looking for seasonal sports.

Many parents are finding that the Wii allows them the opportunity to introduce their child to sports they may not have the chance play. "I'm not interested in golf", Sharee Barbee a single parent to four children told me. "I've never been to a golf course and didn't plan on it." Though she also said she now appreciates the fact that her two sons are enjoying their new favorite sport. She also credits the Wii for, "allowing her children to play golf and other sports when it's really too cold for them to do otherwise." The best part about the Wii for this mom is that she now plays golf with them instead of just watching!

Active supervision is required during most sports as well as during any game time with the Wii. You should also be aware of the risks and injury involved with playing these interactive sports. That strap on the remote is for just that. If your child skips over that safety rule the remote can fly. It also is a good idea to make sure that you have the appropriate space for the movements some games require. In my own household we typically move tables and re arrange a few small pieces of furniture before any game of tennis.

When it's too cold to play ball outside the Nintendo Wii give your kids a whole new meaning to playing ball in the house!

Sources: www.nintendo.com
www.wiiinjury.com