This year, focus on making your family more active

Your life is impossibly busy and your kids are probably involved in a million things that you are lucky to keep track of. The notion of carving out extra time for family recreation probably seems like a stretch.

Yet evidence is mounting that families who make the time to be active together benefit on multiple levels. The physical activity helps with health, concentration at work and school, longer life expectancy and lower obesity risk. It also fosters bonds between parents and children that often keep families together.

Consider this handful of helpful suggestions next time your crew insists they want to stay on the couch, tethered to their electronics:

Make time for outdoor activities. As long as you get outside, whether for basketball on the driveway, frisbee or catch in the backyard, or for a group bike ride, it is valuable outdoor time together. Consider a manageable hike, go to playgrounds and get creative by making up games at a park. Just go.

Consider getting a pet. The kids probably go through phases of begging for a dog but you are worried about the hassle. But keep in mind all those hours of walks and play in the backyard really add up in positive physical activity. A dog also provides a built-in incentive to hit the trails or the water or overnight campouts — all of which builds family bonds.

Crank up a dance party. Especially during winter, family dance parties are perfect to interject some fitness while making it feel like fun. Kids will burn energy, build agility and confidence, and chances are you will all laugh together. If you have a Wii game console, the Just Dance series is a great way to go.