They Could Better Spend Their Time Holding a Sports-Themed Party

With the Olympics coming, kids up and down the country are hurtling around in the sun, pretending they are the next Jessica Ennis. With the European Championships around the corner, kids are dribbling between cones and imagining they are Wayne Rooney. And with the Diamond Jubilee coming… well, it's a big year for sport, let's just leave it at that.

And parents can encourage their kids to get out and get active by being a healthy role model, according to TV presenter and former Dancer on Ice, Laura Hamilton.

"I think if parents are active outside then it can only be a good thing," she says. "It sets a great example for your children. You are a role model whether you are a parent, auntie, uncle, older brother or sister - and the younger generation are going to look up to you, so it's incredibly important."

And getting out in the garden and recreating Olympic events is a fun way to get your kids active - which could be especially important if the latest Argos findings are anything to go by.

According to research carried out by the oblique retail giant, families spend just five hours a week being active - compared to watching eight hours per week of television.

And with 37 per cent of families planning to watch the Olympics this year, they could better spend their time holding a sports-themed party or BBQ in the back yard, with plenty of opportunities for running and jumping.

"There is always quite a lot of pressure on parents to keep their children occupied throughout the summer holiday," says Ms Hamilton.

"A couple of days a week out of the summer holiday, parents should always have something which is not only encouraging the children to be active, but also helps them learn how to be competitive and how to be a good loser."

If you're planning on spending some time revelling in the garden this summer, it might be a good idea to make those evenings last a little longer by investing in some outdoor lights.

Whether it's solar lights staked in the lawn or bright lamps mounted to the wall, outdoor lighting can really help you make the most of your garden this summer, as well as encouraging your kids to play.