Do you want your kids to be involved in more activities to stay healthy? Read our tips on how to keep kids active and healthy!
The CDC states that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. It is important to teach our children how to lead healthy, active lives.
As parents it is our job to teach our children behaviors that will keep them healthy. Healthy eating is essential in teaching our children a healthy lifestyle. Another factor that is equally important is maintaining an active lifestyle.
We should make healthy activity a major part of our parenting. In today’s busy atmosphere it is important that as parents we take control of the health and fitness of our children by keeping them active.
How to Keep Kids Active and Healthy
Plan Ahead
Put physical activity on your calendar.
We are so driven by our schedules these days that we need to make sure that we are scheduling exercise for our children and for ourselves, so pencil in your exercise times on your calendar.
Be sure that you are participating with your children. Children love to be joined by their parents in fun physical activity. Better yet, let them be in charge of your exercise program. This gives them a sense of responsibility in keeping Mom and Dad fit and healthy.
I found a walking/jogging track in our town that includes a resistance training course.
Hydrate
It is very important to keep hydrated while exercising. This is also an important teaching tool. Research with your children the purpose of hydrating your body while exercising.
Also, let your child research the importance of keeping hydrated during the normal activities of the day. Allow them to teach you the benefits of drinking a sufficient amount of water on a daily basis.
You should be accountable to each other for keeping hydrated during exercise as well as normal daily activities. Question your children to see that they are drinking plenty of water during exercise.
One good way is for each family member to have their own reusable water bottle. During exercise you should begin with a full bottle. As you exercise make it a habit to ask to see each others bottles. If one of you hasn’t drunk enough encourage that person to drink while reminding them of the research that you have done as a family on the importance of hydration.
During regular daily activities be sure to question each other to be sure that each of you is drinking enough water during the course of the day.
Make it Fun
Make plans for fun family days.
Let your children share in deciding what the activity will be. It was a great day when my children could ride their bikes well enough to try out some great bike paths. This is one of our favorite family activities. We load up our bikes and head out to one of our favorite places and ride about eight miles.
We always pack a healthy lunch and stop about half way and have a picnic. It is a good way to get a great workout while enjoying nature and family.
When planning family days, such as biking, it is important to talk about the physical benefits of being active. Discuss physical goals that you have as a family and individually.
Make it Comfortable
When exercising be sure that everyone has comfortable gear. Children may need a little help in choosing the right clothing and shoes. Be sure that your children are dressed in appropriately for the activity and the weather.
Also, be sure that your child’s shoes are the appropriate size and style for the activity. Children grow quickly at times and they may not always tell you when their shoes are getting snug. Check frequently to be sure that everything still fits.
When biking, it is also important to make sure that the bicycle seat is set at the correct height. If it is set too low it can make for a very rough ride for your little one.
With any family activity, it is important that all involved are enjoying the activity. Choose activities that your child can be successful in doing.
Most of all HAVE FUN!
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