HOW TO GET THE KIDS OFF THE COUCH

***SIX WAYS TO GET THE KIDS OFF THE COUCH***

Kids seem like they're glued to the television these days, but getting them to take part in the great outdoors doesn't have to be so hard . . . especially now that the weather is getting nicer. Here are six ways to get your kids off the couch and out of the house . . .

#1.) SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. If your kids see you spending a lot of time in front of the TV, they'll do the same. So skip a few shows and do something with them outside.

#2.) OPEN A WINDOW. Kids won't be motivated to go outside if they can't actually SEE outside. The weather is getting warmer, so the next time you see your kids wasting a perfectly nice day, try opening a window. It's simple, but effective.

#3.) ASK THEM WHAT *THEY* WANT TO DO. You might be surprised at their answer. Say that you want to go outside, then ask them to come up with an activity. Kids have vast imaginations and might want to do something you'd never thought of.

#4.) START A TRADITION. Pick a place outside the house and make it YOUR spot. You can play catch at the park once a week, or have a picnic once a month. Whatever it is, make it a tradition . . . and make it outdoors.

#5.) TRADE A WALK FOR A TREAT. Instead of driving to the store, walk if it's not too far. Tell the kids they get to pick out a special treat if they join you, and pretty soon, they'll want to walk EVERYWHERE.

#6.) JUST TURN OFF THE TV. You might use it as background noise while you go about your day, but kids seem to be magnetically connected to the thing. So hit the power button. If the television is OFF, they just might have to do . . . something else. (SheKnows.com)