Today kids have so many stimulating electronic things to do. It is so easy to spend hours playing video games whether on a phone, computer or i Pad. Now let's not forget TV. Hours are still wasted watching TV. With two parents working, raising kids that are active is a challenging task. There are more and more kids that just do not go outside. The statistics are frightening. There are more obese people including the elderly than previously thought. You do not want your child to become this statistic. Providing opportunities to exercise is really important. Here is a video on obese kids and the road they face. Please watch.
Here are some successful suggestions that you can incorporate.
1. Replace pop with Koolaid. It still has sugar but a lot less than a can of soda. If soda is not there, then they won't drink it. Encourage them to drink water.
2. Buy exercise gifts for Christmas. At least one exercise gift a year. Do not mention that it is an exercises gift. Here are some fun suggestions: Hula hoops, balls of all sizes and types, badminton, wiffle ball and bat, chin up bar, Frisbee, punching bag and gloves, trampoline, water toys, sled, mini-trampoline, field guides, hiking equipment,binoculars, bikes, tricycle, darts. yard games. volleyball and net, soccer ball, scooter, skates, hockey sticks and puck, tennis racket and balls, water toys, bubbles, kids sprinkler, swing set, sand box and toys, Wii exercise games including bowling, tennis, dancing and other similar games, etc. You get the picture. Ask your kids: "how many times can you spin your hula hoop without losing it?" Go out and watch. You try it yourself. Exercise is actually a family activity. You are the example so you must be active too. This cannot be emphasized enough. Here are some great backyard toys.
3. Take the family for a hike. There are many state parks and trails that are absolutely worth the drive to hike or bike. Wear old shoes if hiking in state parks. Sometimes the trails can be wet .Before hiking get a park map at the office. This will tell you how far you are going. Here are some cool nature toys. If they own their own exploration toys, they will think it is cool to go hiking.
4. Walk the dog as a family. Find a wooded trail. Dogs love to sniff around. Exercise while enjoy the antics of you dog and children. Let them climb trees. You may have to catch them but sooner or later they need to develop strength, bone density, and muscle mass through exercise. Developing a love of nature is something that needs to be instilled in the young.
5. Make your vacations active: Even though you are exhausted from your job, your body is screaming for exercise. It is the foremost way of stress release and a must for good health. Go hiking and explore, swimming, body surfing, walk the beach, ride the rides and try not to sit, bike, etc. Visit historical sites: Niagara Falls, National Parks that are Natures's wonder: Yosemite. Too many folks just sit while the kids try to go. There are folks that just sit in the hotel room and read. You can do that at home. Yes, you need to sit some but not for the whole vacation. Take what you need to explore areas. Bring the swimming floats etc if going to the beach.
6. Avoid fast food. For the most part, fast food is calorie rich, empty nutrition, and addicting. Go to restaurants that have vegetables and fruit.
7. Avoid All You Can Eat Restaurants. You just eat too much period.
8. Teach your kids how to ride a bike. This is something every kid should be able to do. Yet there are many kids that do not own a bike let alone ride one.The whole family should own a bike. Bikes are used by people of all ages. These bikes are:1.Girls Bike 2. Boys Bike 3.Adult Mountain Bike. Going biking as a family is a great and fun way to check out different trails.
9. Swimming lessons: This is a necessary life skill. Do not forget and sign up for local swimming lessons at an early age. Everyone gets busy. However, this is something every kid should know. Buy the kids a swimming pass for summer or if an indoor pool is available buy a year pass and make sure they get there and you need to go when they are young and hop in the pool too.
10. Sign your kids up for sports at an early age. Yes, this is a huge commitment. Yet this is where kids get exercise and meet friends that will probably stick together as long as your child continues in the sport. Do not be critical but praise the effort. Kids develop coordination at different times. For example, my son lacked coordination at the age of 8. My husband told me that he looked like "Yosemite Sam" from Loony Tunes" when he ran.. We never told him that. The soccer coach was encouraging. Other sports were not. He stuck with soccer and became an excellent player. Many parents have the rule that the child has to stick out the season. Kids do not always know what they want. They need a lot of encouragement that they are improving. Focus on having fun not being the world's greatest athlete. If given the option, most kids want to quit. Some parents really do not want to run around so they let the kids quit. If that is the case, you failed your kids. Everyone is busy today. Definitely go and have fun with the kids outside practicing. Make it fun.
11. Exercise yourself. If your children never see you exercising, then they have the excuse that they don't feel like it. What they are really saying is: "Why do I have to exercise if you don't?" When kids are young, its go outside and use the toys to play. Children learn to be on-task through play. They need to use their imaginations with their toys. Own your own exercise equipment and use on a regular basis.
12. Do not be over protective. There is a theory that over protective parents help their kids to be obese. I agree with this because we stop them from taking any chances as a child. I have seen parents that will not let their 12 year old jump off the swings. Wow! I remember doing this a gazillion times as a kid. Let them climb, jump, throw stones into the creek, sled ride, swim with you of course, ride a bike etc. When they are young you have to watch them riding a bike and teach them the rules of the road. When they are older promote exploration of town with a friend. Sooner or later kids need to make their own decisions and be responsible for those decisions. While you can fall off the bike, band aids are needed for this reason.
. Spend money on exercise equipment. It is an investment in the health of your children. Most of all: "Live Healthy...Be Happy.
Really good article. Personally, I have a sportive kid, who loves to practice different sports like tennis, skiing, traditional kung fu plus many more.
ReplyDeleteHe has lots of energy and it's great that he's moving... this way he combats obesity.
You are so blessed. There are many kids that won't move or go outside. That can be a real challenge. Watch out so you don't get kung fu'd.
DeleteThe must-do ways to avoid obesity in kids are all presented in this well-written article. Tip number 11 is essential. Thanks for pointing out that parents need to be role models as well.
ReplyDeleteNicholas,
DeleteThanks for your support. I agree that parents are really the key and in the end it is a lot of fun going out with the kids.