“Mens sana in corpore sano” is a Latin quotation meaning “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. . Some mourn that it has been forgotten as North Americans witness a decreasing family interest in outdoor activities and an alarming obesity rate among children.

The milestone of riding a bike is a big one for kids and their parents. With new equipment, toddlers can reach that two-wheeled milestone earlier than ever, and enjoy many sidewalks and bike paths together.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and CAN-Bike, children two years of age and older who exhibit signs of pedalling and steering are at a good age to start learning to ride a bicycle. Experts cite the following considerations: Ride-on toys with push handles are hard to control and don't promote independence.

Toys that encourage physical fitness are a great way to keep your children fit, active and having fun all year-round. Therefore, putting just the right activity-gift under the tree will not only ensure your kids have fun, but will also stay healthy without even realizing it.

Don't let the fun and food of the holidays interfere with your child's learning. Video games and flashy electronic toys may appeal to many kids, but often don't work your child mind as well as non-electronic games and puzzles. Parents shouldn't fret however. There are plenty of toys and games available this holiday season to keep a child's brain sharp and focused during the break and beyond. Here are some tips to help keep your children learning and their brains sharp during the school holidays:

Encouraging the use of creative activities and games that challenge your children to think outside the box and build their problem solving skills at an early age will help encourage them to become independent thinkers and problem solvers - skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.