A Family that Plays Together Stays Together

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Bill Dube

BounceU children's play center promotes family time at facility; The Learning Channel recently spotlights BounceU

Gilbert, AZ (Grassroots Newswire)-- For many parents, finding even a couple of hours to spend with their children is like a game of tug-and-war; work and other responsibilities "tug" at the time they could be spending with their kids. In fact, Brent Schmick, president of BounceU, says there has been a significant decrease in the amount of time parents play with their children. Unfortunately, that lack of quality time is crippling their child's learning and life skills growth.

The Learning Channel's television show "John & Kate Plus 8" recently showcased BounceU in Exton, PA as a place where families with multiple children can come for family fun.  The reality show features a family with twins and sextuplets, a house-full to say the least. The parents and one of the sextuplets visited BounceU for one-on-one time and had a great experience.

"We find that on the average, parents are very much occupied with their careers and often find it difficult to make sure they spend enough fun, quality time with there children," Schmick said. "However, even an hour here and another hour there can make a world of a difference to the child. BounceU provides a convenient venue for local parents to get that family time in by actually 'playing' with their children. Parents with multiple children can use BounceU as a chance to get out of the house and get one-on-one time, as well as a reward for good behavior."

Schmick said whatever time a parent can dedicate to his or her child is worth it. In the past generation, the average child's free time has reduced by 15 to 25 percent, according to PlayingForKeeps.org - an organization that improves outcomes and quality of life for kids by increasing their access to healthy, developmental play. The organization also says that within the past 20 years, family dinners decreased by 33 percent and family vacations decreased by 28 percent - all taking away from family time.

With cutting-edge play structures and games, BounceU offers a safe and comfortable indoor environment that makes it easy for parents to join their children in fun, one-on-one play time. Schmick said the center's concept is to make play time fun not only for children, but adults, too. Both kids and adults enjoy the interactive, physical nature of equipment. According to Schmick, BounceU was established by parents just like those in the local area, very busy but wanting to give their children and themselves memories to last a lifetime. BounceU offers that unique experience.

In an added effort to help local parents bond with their children, and with the help of PlayingForKeeps.org, Schmick suggest the following easy ways parents can implement fun, family time right at home:

Everyday play - Use your imagination and make your everyday routine a fun time with your children, whether it is when you are doing laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning around the house, or at bath time with the yellow rubber ducky.

The sky is the limit - There are so many different types of "play" that you can introduce to your child. They range from indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet games, pretending and drawing, or solving puzzles and playing board games. Find out what your child's interests are and run with the best fit.

Take it seriously - Just as brushing teeth, meal time, and homework are all important parts of a child's routine, make sure there is family play time scheduled on the calendar. Once it has been set in stone, it becomes easier to keep mindful.

"You want to make sure you secure that bond with your child. BounceU really makes that effort easy. It's not just a place to drop off your kids and let them run free, parents who join along really do have a lot of fun doing what their child loves to do the most - play; this makes a huge impact on their children's lives," Schmick added.

About BounceU

BounceU is an indoor, climate-controlled stadium filled with giant inflatable play structures, accompanied by additional play equipment and video arcade games. They coordinate, set up, supervise, facilitate and clean up, so that the hosting parents can relax and enjoy their event. BounceU was created specifically to provide children a fun, unique place to celebrate a birthday, or any special event, and at the same time provide the privacy, cleanliness, and security desired by parents.