We all know that exercise is good for us, important for our health, useful in reducing stress, yada yada yada. But as parents of children with special needs, we may find it impossible to put any sort of regular exercise routine together. Even if we could find the energy (doubtful) or the time (yeah, right), we often can't be away from our kids long enough to bop to the gym or jog around town. One good solution: work out with your kids, right at home. These products can show you how.
1. Yoga for the Kid in All of Us
A DVD you can follow together, with exercises appropriate for children with special needs. Check the Amazon.com listing for a great review from a special-ed teacher.
2. Yoga equipment from Therapro
The occupational therapy catalog offers a variety of yoga-related items you can use with your kids, including a "Chair Yoga" video that can be done from a seated position and a "Yoga for Kids" kit with mat, audiotape, guide, and cards that show the positions.3. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
Carol Stock Kranowitz's follow-up to the sensory integration classic "The Out-of-Sync Child" is full of games and activities that will help balance your child's sensory system while getting you both moving.4. Brain Gym (Teacher's Edition)
This book by Paul E. Dennison and Gail Dennison explains their theory of educational kinesiology and shows you how to lead your child in exercises that will help him or her learn better (and maybe make you more alert, too).5. Brain Gym: Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning (Orange)
Also by the Dennisons, this brightly colored, simply drawn volume has illustrations and simple explanations just right for kids.6. Dance Dance Revolution
If your kids love playing with their PlayStation2, this game will at least get them off the couch. News reports have indicated that using the dance pad to try to make it through the moves in this game offers good aerobic exercise for kids. They'll probably enjoy watching you try to keep up.