Parenting

Earlier this year, Springfree Trampoline was featured on Family Caregivers Unite, an online radio show hosted by Dr. Gordon Atherley.

Steve, our Chief Bouncing Officer, and Rosemarie, a happy Springfree owner, discussed how Springfree Trampoline can benefit children with special needs. You can listen to the radio show here.

Steve spoke about how Springfree’s safety features add a huge value to the overall health benefits of trampolining. There are a number of health benefits of trampolining and he believes trampolines should exist to create a peace of mind for parents, rather than pose dangers to children. According to Steve, “[His job] as the Chief Bouncing Officer is to create a paradigm shift: to change the definition of the trampoline”.

Rosemarie is a mother of four very energetic boys. Her boys use the Springfree Trampoline every day with all of their friends and neighbours – usually, the problem is getting them off the trampoline! She says the trampoline is a great motivating tool for her boys to get their homework done. It’s also one place where her boys will take the initiative to sweep, which gets them involved in household chores.

Rosemarie’s youngest son, Giuliano, who recently turned 7, is a child with autism and is as energetic as his older brothers. He is sensory sensitive and dislikes noise, which makes the Springfree a perfect trampoline for him. Because there is no squeaky springs, Springfree trampolines are silent when you bounce. Rosemarie says Giuliano can spend hours jumping with pure joy on his face!

Funny enough, one of his favourite jumping activities is listening to “La Bamba” on the iPod. Rosemarie credits this new quirk to the fact that jumping opens him up and energizes him. It encourages Giuliano to try out activities that he would never do otherwise and helps him take positive steps forward.

Rosemarie says with the FlexiNet zipped up, she has no fear that her kids will hurt themselves. She stands back and watches them enjoy themselves in their safe haven.

Springfree Trampoline has been welcomed by autism, cystic fibrosis and Downs syndrome communities as a fun and safe way that children can exercise and receive therapy.

We’d love to hear if you’ve had any first-hand experience with trampolines for children with special needs. Tell us your story!

The London 2012 Opening Ceremonies are just 4 days away!

We love the idea of hosting a mini version of the Olympics right in your own backyard. A few events, some healthy snacks and a craft will get your kids in the spirit of the games.

Getting Ready

Let every mini athlete pick a country to represent – this is a great opportunity for kids to learn more about our neighbors around the world!

Supplies:

- Sporty athletic gear, if they’re in the country’s colors even better! Be sure to check clothes for loose strings or buttons that may get caught while playing – safety first!

- Face paint to decorate in your country’s colors

- Print free mini flags at home and attach them to popsicle sticks, straws, or whatever you have lying around the house!

Now you’re ready to compete!

Relay Race

Set up a course around the yard where each athlete passes off the “baton” (a paper towel roll will do) to the next runner. On a hot day you could also add new elements to the relay like running through a sprinkler or splashing in a kiddie pool!

Discus

The discus used in the Olympics is a wooden plate rimmed with metal but we think a frisbee is a good alternative! Compete by seeing who can throw it the furthest or setting up targets to see who is the most accurate.

Trampoline

Your Springfree Trampoline is the perfect place to host one of the most thrilling events in the Summer Olympic games! While superstars in the sport like Karen Cockburn, Jason Burnett, Rosie MacLennan and Steven Gluckstein complete breathtaking routines, we always recommend that untrained gymnasts refrain from attempting tricks and flips on the trampoline. Instead, here are some ways to compete:

- Who can complete the most seat drops in a minute?

- Who has the most spectacular star jump?

- Who can jump the longest? Note to parents: kids tend to have the competitive edge on this one

Additional Backyard Olympic Events:

- Swimming

- Cycling

- Jump rope (not an official Olympic sport, but it has to start somewhere!)

Healthy Snack Ideas

After all that jumping you’re going to need to break for some water and a healthy snack! Over on our Pinterest board we have a collection of post-jumping snacks perfect for your little Olympian.

Photo credit: kayepants on Flickr

Closing Ceremonies + Make Your Own Medals

In the spirit of the Olympics, we think every little athlete deserves a medal. Plus an easy craft is the perfect way to end your Olympic day. We love this make-your-own medal idea from Alpha Mom or you can go the simple route with some ribbon, cardboard circles and metallic paint.

Photo credit: AlphaMom

Be sure to tune in during the Olympics to support the athletes and the sport of trampoline!

Men’s trampoline (qualifications & finals) – Friday, August 3, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST

Women’s trampoline (qualifications & finals) – Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST

Springfree Trampoline staff members from all over the globe put a video together to show our appreciation and love for our mothers! Take a look:

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfreetrampoline.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Did you know that reading outside can actually help children’s developing eyes? Bright outdoor lights are better for helping children keep their vision in focus while reading compared to dim indoor lighting.

Exercising the mind is just as important as staying physically active. We already know the Springfree Trampoline has tremendous health benefits but it can also be a safe and comfy space for kids to read outdoors.

Encourage your kids to grab their favourite book and read outside on their trampoline. After all, today is World Book Day!

In honour of this day and to share our love of reading, we asked Springfree staff members to share their favourite childhood book:

“Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I think I liked it cause it was easy to memorize and read along to. It also makes my mom cry to this day.” – Brittany, stakeholder relations coordinator

“One of my favorite childhood books was Robert the Rose Horse. I love the action of the story and how you could dramatize it as it was being read.” – Joel, business analyst

“I remember reading Clifford a lot. My family always had a pet dog so I thought it was so cool a dog could be as big as Clifford. How could you not like a massive red dog?!” – Chad, logistics coordinator

“I love The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It left a lasting impression on me as a child and taught me all about unconditional love.” – Stella, digital communications coordinator

“As a child I loved the Curious George series. I felt that I was able to relate to the monkey since I was very curious as a child.” – Tricia, marketing coordinator

“My favorite childhood book is definitely a toss-up between Love You Forever and Where the Wild Things Are. My mom would ALWAYS read me one of these two books, and sometimes both, before I went to bed. I have every intention of reading them to my kids as well.” – Julian, marketing intern

“The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. It’s about a resourceful little girl who outsmarts a dragon. I guess I liked that she was smart with a good sense of humour! Being a princess probably didn’t hurt either.” – Kat, communications manager

What books do you love to read to your kids?

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

We know how beneficial jumping and repetitive motions can have for kids on the spectrum so we want to give back.

We are inviting your community and your friends affected by autism to go into the draw to win a R79 Springfree™ Trampoline.

Kids inspire us every day! We want to know what makes your child so inspiring to shine a bright light on the cause, the people and a solution for families living with Autism.

Join us on Facebook where we will open the competition on the 2 April!

Rules & Regulations
Springfree™ Trampoline’s World Autism Awareness Day Giveaway (“WAAD Giveaway”) is brought to you by Springfree Trampoline (the “Sponsor”). This Giveaway is open to all legal residents of Australia, Canada (excluding the Province of Quebec) and New Zealand and continental US, who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory/state of residence. This contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial/state, municipal and local laws and regulations. SEE FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Irabina Family Fun Day

Location: Melbourne Experience Centre - 672 Warrigal Road Oakleigh South

Date: Saturday 17^th March 2012

Time: 10am – 2pm

This weekend we will be hosting a community Fun Day at our Melbourne Experience Centre to celebrate our association with Irabina Childhood Autism Services.

The Face Fiction Crew will be there from 10 - 2 to dazzle the kids with face painting and balloon twisting!

No two people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are exactly alike but what is certain is that all children LOVE to jump! Repetitive movement is a frequent and calming motion for many children with ASD, and jumping is a natural, healthy action, which can be beneficial to children’s mental and physical development.

Irabina is a local specialist early childhood intervention service that provides family centred programs from the time of diagnosis to school entry for children and their families who are challenged by Autism Spectrum Disorder.http://www.irabina.com/

We are hosting a fun day specifically for them, their families and the broader community to help raise money and have a good family fun day!

Planned Activities:

• Gold Coin Donation at the door PLUS a raffle draw (to help raise funds for Irabina with some fantastic prizes!)
• Balloon Twisting presentations
• Balloon twisting and Face painting for all of the kids (and kids alike )
• Interactive Story telling on blankets and rugs
• Giveaways from Springfree™ Trampoline (Tattoo’s, balloons, stickers)
• BBQ and drinks
• As well as lots of Jumping on the World’s Safest Trampoline – 6 models available!

A huge thank you to Face Fiction for supplying the Major Raffle Prize!!!

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

The Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine has always been a part of my life. My grandma read it, my mum read it and now I will have a flick through on a plane or while I’m waiting in the doctors surgery.

That’s why I was stoked when Springfree™ Trampoline was selected as a Product of the Year finalist in their annual awards!

If you missed it, flick to page 159 in the most recent edition. There you will see our new 077 Oval model looking mighty fine.

We are nominated in the home and outdoor category against some pretty cool brands and household items but I think Springfree™ Trampoline has you covered

We would love your support in voting for us. All you have to do is go to this page or send back the nomination form found in your magazine.

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us xx

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

As you all know, Springfree Trampoline is the number one trampoline for safety. We want your children – whether they’re a ghost, a witch or a superhero – to stay safe this Halloween.

Follow these easy tips for a safe night of trick-or-treating:

• Plan your route with your kids before you head out and be sure to stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Accompany your children trick-or-treating or ensure that they are under the supervision of a trusted adult.
• Watch out for the jack-o-lanterns on the doorsteps as open flame can be dangerous for young kids. Halloween is one of the top five days for candle fires.
• Stay on the sidewalk as unpaved roads and lawns can be a tripping hazard.
• Look both ways before crossing the street for oncoming traffic.
• Increase visibility of your kids by putting them in brightly colored costumes and by using a flashlight or glowsticks.
• Wear layers to make sure you and your kids are warm and comfortable for the outdoors.

How else do you ensure your children stay safe on Halloween night? Share some tips by commenting.

From all of us at Springfree Trampoline, we wish you a fun and safe Halloween. BOO!

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Who wouldn’t want their kid to build confidence, be active, make new friends and learn the value of good sportsmanship? With so many benefits, organized sports have become the after-school activity of choice for kids and parents.

Unfortunately, 70% of children quit organized sports by age 13, according to the National Alliance for Youth Sports. The Springfree Trampoline online team wondered if this statistic had links to stress and pressure from parents, coaches and teammates.

We asked if you thought children’s organized sports were becoming too competitive:

“Definitely too competitive. I find it hard to teach my children that all the fun is in the playing, not the winning.” – Carly from Facebook

“I think we ask our kids to be on select teams far too early. The kids who are starting at 2^nd and 3^rd grade end up missing out on other activities because they are dialed into just one sport. Also, by focusing on one sport there is a great risk of repetitive motion injuries.” – Nanette from Facebook

Child psychology research shows it is possible to start too early when it comes to organized sports. For children under 10, the concepts of competition, effort and ability may be difficult to grasp. At a young age, it’s most important for children to develop passion for a particular sport.

It’s also essential to strike a healthy balance between competition and fun. As a parent, you can take the initiative to reduce competition-related stress for the children. Springfree fan Kerum suggests: “[My son is] only 6, we have run into a few coaches and a few parents who take it way too seriously. Some of the leagues we have played with have a rule to only cheer FOR kids, not against the other team.” What an encouraging rule!

If the stress of competition is overwhelming, try an alternative to organized sports like swimming, rock climbing or jumping on a trampoline! These activities have just as much health and fitness benefits as organized team sports.

For parents, the best thing they can do is set a positive example for their children. A parent’s active lifestyle is a powerful stimulus for a child. When your child follows in your active footsteps, be sure to praise, reward and encourage them.

How do you foster a love of activity in your children?

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Social media has transformed the way parents create memories with their kids. Family photo albums are replaced with virtual albums on Facebook and home videos are uploaded on YouTube for the world to see (Charlie Bit My Finger is a classic example). Inevitably, the phenomenon of “social media babies” is on the rise. The statistics are very revealing. A survey of 2,200 mothers from around the world with children under the age of two found the following:

• 23% of mothers have posted sonograms of their babies online
• 7% of parents have created an email address for their babies
• 70% of mothers have posted images of their babies to share with friends and family

The same study revealed that a child develops an online presence at an average age of 6 months – before they can even walk or talk! By the time they turn two, over 80 per cent of children already have a digital footprint.

Many of you feel very strongly about this topic. The general consensus is that children younger than 13 (or 16, in some cases) should not be on social media channels. Our community members had a number of good reasons:

“If the [child] violates the terms of service, I won’t support or engage.” – Mike

“[Children] need to develop their social skills in the real world first.” – Carolina

“It is too easy for bullying to start online, hidden behind the 'security' of a computer, fake profiles and faceless harassment can damage our children's perceptions of the world and themselves.” – Elsie

Despite parental concerns, it seems social media is encouraging parents to share more information about their children as early as possible. Earlier this month, Facebook announced that expectant parents can add their unborn babies as a family member on their profiles with a photo, name and due date. Announcing a pregnancy via Facebook just might become the newest trend for parents of the iGeneration. Allowing children to have a social media presence is a personal decision made by parents. Bobi, a Springfree community member, articulates the important role that parents play when it comes to raising “social media babies”:

“It depends on the child, the way it will be used, and how involved the parents will be in educating their children and monitoring their online activity… [My husband and I] also have the knowledge and tools to monitor all online activity - and we do so! I think it is a decision that parents need to educate themselves on, and decide what is right for their family.”

We couldn’t have said it better, Bobi! What “rules” do you enforce at home regarding social media? How did you decide what was right for your family? To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com. To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content. Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.