HyperJump to Get Their Hyper Out

Why does the drop-off in napping seem to coincide with the increase in energy? I rarely if ever got one of my own, but my body's been feeling the brunt of losing naptime.

My daughter? She's more hyper than ever.

Saying kids these days makes me sound (and feel) old, but let's face it . . . kids these days have as much energy to expend as we did. They simply have fewer places to do it. It's nice to say "send them outside," but the reality of outdoor dangers (depending on where you live - we have a large, inviting pond next door) sometimes means finding something for them to do indoors.

Short on cash this winter? You don't have to bust out the bucks for one of those new game consoles that lets them get their body into the action. Wild Planet's HyperJump, is less than $20, and it's made to get them moving. Better still, they can do it alone if they want to - so you can get things done - or with their friends. HyperJump accommodates up to eight players.

So what's the deal? Think Dance, Dance Revolution, Twister . . . any of those games that require you to move your body. But HyperJump keeps them moving with a center console that determines all the moves, and numbered pads that the kids have to hit just in time. The faster their response, the better they score - so it's helping kids build reflexes while it busts that childhood obesity threat. What's more, they pick up listening and attention skills - what parent couldn't use a kid who listens a little better?

HyperJump isn't for kids who are going to beat it into submission; it is a little more fragile than some games because the pads have sensors beneath. But overall, it's one of those holiday buys that comes at a cost parents can afford - and a benefit that parents will appreciate as much as their kids.

Now it's time for a nap, right?

Some other holiday bits from Strollerderby:

Bone Headphones: Safer for Kids?

Mix Rap With Kid Shows and Whaddya Get?

Would You Give Gifts Bought At Wal-Mart Where Man Died?

Crafty: Shrinky Dink Your Christmas Tree

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