Parents are the number one influencers of how children feel about living a healthy lifestyle. Have you ever noticed your child having the same behaviors as you? Children often mirror their parents’ actions. If a parent is sedentary, there is a good chance the child will be too. However, if you exhibit healthy habits, your child will feel more positive about instilling them in their everyday life.
Exercise is essential for children’s normal growth and development. Exercise not only helps prevent heart disease and diabetes, but it enhances their academics, behavior and ability to cope with stress. Exercising together will allow you to stay healthy with your children. Creating a routine will help you commit to a healthy lifestyle. Getting fit as a family does not have to be time-consuming or expensive; it can be fun and creative. Here are atypical ways to help get your family moving:
- Commercial-size. After a long day of work, school, and dinner many families find themselves watching TV for a few hours before its time for bed. When there is a commercial break, get up and move together as a family. Try push-ups, jumping jacks, dancing or running in place.
- Make an exercise video. We have all seen those ad’s on TV of the “intense work-outs” to get you fit. Instead, make your child the star by creating their own work-out video with your camera. Then in the future, do their videos together.
- Disco Night. Who said running is the only way to get fit? Play some music and have a dance battle in your living room.
- May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor. Create your own “Family Olympics”. Go to your local track, park or pool and have races to win the gold.
As long as you are positive about creating healthy habits, your child will be too. Now get out there and have some fun!
