It's important for parents to encourage their kids to get active each day. Join a local fitness center, sign your kid up for a sport, or take a routine family bike ride. Fitness does not need to be a chore or on your kid's homework list -- it should be enjoyable and a regular part of family fitness. Instilling consistent exercise habits early on will help your child avoid weight-related issues later in life.
Government Health Recommendations
Kids should get at least 60 minutes of activity every day. Exercise can include gym class, soccer practice or even walking the dog. Parents have the biggest influence on their kids' activity level. You can make it a family tradition to take walks after dinner or go on a family bike ride. Be creative, have fun, your children and grandchildren will thank you. For example, you can help your kids make an obsticle course at the local park, teach them the hopscotch game you played as a kid or play on a backyard trampoline. Next time you are driving with your kids ask them to help you make a weekly activity plan.
Youth Sports
The National Youth Sports Alliance is adding 3,000 new leagues worldwide. NYSA trains coaches and provides resources and materials so your kids can have the best training available. Schools, park and recreation leagues, as well as amateur leagues are available for almost every sport and age. Local swim clubs offer practices year round, soccer leagues are available in the fall, spring and summer, baseball and softball teams are in season in the spring and summer. Visit your community recreation center for details and contact information. Encourage your kids to try something new this season and watch them grow, flourish and get plenty of exercise.
Non-Organized Activity
Many kids and adults spend too much time in front of a computer or television. Kids in South American countries start kicking around soccer balls as soon as they can walk. Children in Canada have been known to lace up their hockey skates before they can walk. Encourage your kids to play tag and jump rope and even hide and seek. Next time they ask to watch a TV show or spend time on the computer, help them come up with an activity that gets them moving.
Sample Weelky Plan
The best way to make sure you and your kids exercise is to make it part of your weekly schedule. If soccer practice is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday then you can schedule a family bike ride on the weekend and have your kids walk the dog on Tuesday and Thursday. If you have younger kids, sign them up for gym class on Tuesday and Thursday and then arrange for park play dates with a friend on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Make sure the entire family is part of the planning process -- have every person pick their favorite activity and then build your family fitness plan from there.
Member Comments