Shout Go Play Initiative

Shout! That's exactly what I do when it's laundry time. Having a son who loves to play outdoors and having a partner whose job entails working with cars all day makes fighting stains an inevitable part of doing laundry. I could add "stain-fighter" to my resume if I desire.

I may sound a little bitter when talking about laundry, but there is something quite therapeutic about the whole process. You are forced to use your brain to sort out the colors and fabrics and dedicates and don't-cares. Doing laundry requires a lot of concentration.

What I come to notice is all the memories a piece of clothing can hold. Every week I wash Kaden's soccer uniform, I go over the previous game in my head, play by play. I look at the huge mud stain on the back of his shirt and remember exactly how he slid to kick the ball into the goal. A grass stain on his shorts helps me recall the tumble he took over the opposing team's player as they collided on the field. All this, and more, just from doing laundry. Luckily, I have Shout products to help eliminate the stains.

Enough of the dirty talk. Let's talk about something that is sure to "clean-up" the lives of your family members by making them active and healthy again.

The Shout Go Play Initiative (visit their Facebook page)

Shout knows play is so much more than fun and games. Studies show that unstructured play helps kids build fundamental skills like problem solving, coping, and conflict resolution. In other words: play is how kids become happy, healthy adults. Fall has arrived with crisp, cool air and new reasons to go out and play. So, let your kids take that rewarding jump into a pile of leaves. Take at trip to the park and watch their imaginations run free. The one thing you won’t do is worry about their clothes; play should get messy and Shout can help.

Play. Such a simple word with endless possibilities. I know it all too well. Growing up, my cousins and I were not allowed to spend much time in the house. This meant no watching television, playing video games, or lounging in the room. Because of the way I grew-up, I know the value of play and have since shared the importance of play to my younger relatives and child.

If you need ideas or help with what activities you and your family can participate in, Lynn Gordon has created a set of 52 Activities in Nature cards to assist you. They can be purchased from Amazon.com for less than $10.

We love to play in all  types of weather.

Play sports. Blow bubbles. Ride a bike.

Playing does not have to be all fun and no business. More and more sites are showcasing learning toys such as Growing Tree Toys. Now, your child can find enjoyment in play and broaden their skills. Visit the site to find toys for all ages and price range.

Don't forget to keep fighting those stains and the battle against children who are not active. SHOUT it out to the world that everyone needs to GO PLAY!

Disclosure: "I received products for free thanks to Shout and for being a member of the Growing Tree Toys Blog Network Team. There was no monetary compensation for writing this post. The opinions and views expressed are my own and do not reflect those of the sponsor(s)."