My 3 1/2 year old son knows more about computers, video games, and electronics than I did as a teenager. Today’s children are growing up in a technology-driven era, and as a parent, it’s a challenge to achieve the appropriate balance between education, play, and technology. With childhood obesity and chronic illness rates soaring, I’m mindful of the importance of keeping my children active.
Did you know that children should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in every day (American Heart Association)? During the warm and dry months, it’s easy to head to our local park to get moving. It’s much more difficult to stay motivated on cold and rainy winter days. Here are some of my favorite ways for keeping my kids active, regardless what the weather may bring:
Make it a family affair: Whether it’s tossing a ball around, taking a walk around our neighborhood, or playing a game of tag, I strive to get the entire family moving together. Not only does it set a great example for our children, it promotes interaction and communication.
Make it a habit: We strive to make physical activity a part of our day to day livelihood. After work and school and before dinner is our time to get moving. Scheduling regular time for physical activity ensures that it doesn’t get overlooked. It takes about a month to form a habit…why not start today!
Make it a part of your everyday lives: Walk or ride a bike…take a hike or a nature walk in your community as a family. If you’re planning on going somewhere fun (i.e. museum, etc.), include bursts of activity along the way. Sometimes we’ll race to the entrance or hop or jump to the car. Striving to incorporate activity organically into your family routine will ensure that it’s a lifelong change, rather than just a temporary resolution.
Make a game of it: It doesn’t have to be organized to be exercise. Whether it’s an indoor game of hide and seek (my son loves this), tossing around the ball with daddy or fitness gaming with mommy, teaming up for a little working out is much more fun that going at it alone.
Make it fun: This is my top tip for getting kids to enjoy being active and to continue to be active as they get older. I introduced physical activity early on by placing my son in a local playgroup where he ran, jumped, danced, and played with other kids his age. Bubbles, ribbons, music and instruments are just a few supplies you might want to have on hand at home to get kids dancing and moving at home if you don’t live near an indoor play space.
With the new year upon us, why not commit to ensuring your children get in daily physical activity? Not only will you be helping your children live a healthier lifestyle, you may just reap some benefits along the way. Physical activity helps to curb weight gain, boosts your energy and mood, and help you feel better overall.
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial. BabyCenter has teamed up with First 5 California to help prevent childhood obesity by promoting the importance of regular physical activity. I took the pledge to reserve 30 minutes of physical activity a day for my son, to be active as a family on the weekends, and to limit the time my son spends watching television. Will you join me? Simply join The First 5 California Community on BabyCenter.
This post was part of a campaign sponsored by BabyCenter.
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So be thankful we son like that pretty smart, coz also my son he know how plug the computer and play a game,, he has a good memory too. and like michael jackson dance. thanks for this so that i can say to everybody that my son is fit and healthy kid. thanks GOD