These are the ideas behind Stretch Your Limits, a seasonal initiative of the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and Department of Health. The program challenges young Vermonters to Stretch Your Limits each winter by trying a new sport or physical activity, eating more fruits and vegetables and turning off the computer and television. Kids are asked to track their efforts to “Move More,” “Eat More Colors” and “Turn It Off” during six weeks and send their tracking form to the governor. Participating children will step up to the podium this spring to shake hands with the governor and receive a signed certificate and a prize from Bogner apparel.

Tracking forms are available here or by contacting Suzanne Kelley at the Vermont Department of Health, 802- 657-4202.

Stretch Your Limits proactively addresses an alarming increase in obesity in Vermont, as more than a fourth of the state’s children are overweight for their age and height. “School-aged children should be active at least one hour a day, but only 27 percent of Vermont students get that much exercise,” said Kelley, who coordinates physical activities programs throughout the state.

The challenge motivates children, and their parents, to be more active and eat more healthfully. “This was a great tool for me as a mother. It made me much more aware of their weekly activity and food intake,” wrote Shannon Harvey of Swanton, mother to Natalee , 6, and Sarah, 8, on the girls’ 2009 tracking sheets. Last winter the sisters learned to ski, which became their favorite winter sport. They also made a point to eat raw colored peppers, lettuce and onions. “We will continue with daily goals of fresh veggies and fruit along with physical activity,” promised their mother.

“It helped us focus on better food choices as well as recreation. Just recording the day’s events sometimes made us say, ‘better add more fruit to supper tonight ‘ or ‘we’ll go skating for a little while,’” wrote Rosalyn Pofcher of Guilford, about the participation by her children, Rosie, 11, and Gabriel, 9. “Now we need something fun to keep us going through mud season!”

With fall right around the corner and siblings preparing for school, moms are joining or starting playgroups for their younger children that are not in school yet. Often times, the younger children don’t get the opportunity to play with kids their own age since their older siblings may have already formed circle of friends and activities. The younger child must adjust to playing with their siblings’ friends. It is good for children to learn to adjust and socialize with all ages, but it is essential for them to be able to socialize with their own age group which better prepares them for school. If you are looking to participate in a playgroup here are a few helpful tips in securing a successful playgroup for yourself and your child.

Tips for joining a playgroup:

1. Be Committed. Communication, commitment, and consistent attendance are the keys to a successful, long-lasting playgroup. When joining a playgroup, attend as often as possible. We suggest not missing more than 1 or 2 playgroups a month. Allow the children to associate the day as ‘Playgroup Day’ as you will soon find out that they will look forward to playing with their friends on that day.

2. Communicate. Proactively communicating when you’re unable to attend is courteous to other group members. Your commitment to the group shows respect and will make the experience much more enjoyable. The use of e-mail or playgroup calendars offers helps to efficiently keep everyone up to date on playgroup times and locations. Also, sticking to a consistent weekly schedule can keep attendance high.

3. Volunteer. Help recruit members to your group by assisting the Group Leader in spreading the word about your playgroup. Create playgroup business cards or fliers to post in local business and to hand out while you are out and about.

4. Get involved. Help the playgroup by volunteering to host the group and choose the theme, location and provide snacks, if desired. Whether your playgroup meets in a public places or in the homes, your Group Leader and members will appreciate your participation. A successful playgroup depends on the effort of its members.

5. Make Suggestions. Suggest ideas for adding activities for the kids to participate in during playgroup. Ideas typically include arts and crafts, themes with story time, games or planning for popular area field trips. By making this effort you may find other parents doing the same. This is a great way to share ideas, promote educational activities, and create fun for the kids – all at the same time.

6. Reach Out. Introduce yourself to as many members as you can. Remember, we all have a lot in common by being new parents. Once you begin to get to know the other parents you will be surprised on how easy conversations will flow and how much in common you have with other parents in the playgroup.

7. Keep it Civil. Be cautious and mindful about opinions shared by others and only take advice from professionals. Conversation among group members should be friendly and non-intrusive and never hurtful. If you experience or witness something that you feel needs attention, bring it up with your Group Leader.

It’s true that what you put into the playgroup is what you will get out of it. Often playgroups parents stay in contact with each other long after the children have grown up. Many lifetime friendships are made through playgroup.