Was parenting easier forty years ago?
Mom's in the new millennium, dream about the idea
of parenting in a world where streets are safe and
parents can let their children run freely through the
neighborhood, their bodies naturally challenged with the
exercise of play.
Instead today, before the slam of the car door fades and
the backpack drops on the floor, the TV is switched on
and the last few hours of daylight disappear in a haze
of video games and over processed snack foods.
Even the concerned, well-meaning parent can often stand
helpless, wondering how to compete against marketing
genius and instant gratification. Exercise and carrot
sticks have a hard time competing with Xboxes, SpongeBob
and potato chips.
The proof is all around us. According to the
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the health of too
many North Americans is in danger because of unhealthy
lifestyles.
The latest data from the National Center for Health
Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years
of age and older - over 60 million people - are obese.
The CDC reports the percentage of young people who are
overweight has more than tripled since 1980.
My kids aren’t obese - why should I be concerned?
Your kids are normal, right? You are parenting just
fine. But in a world where walking is limited, school
P.E. programs are being cut, and cars, elevators and
buses eliminate our chance to exercise naturally, we
need to make a concerted effort to make physical
activity part of our day and our children’s days.
Despite all the benefits of being physically active,
most Americans are sedentary.
Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults.
So as parents how can we get our kids moving?
"The American Heart Association recommends that children
and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of
moderate to vigorous physical activity every day."
The great news is exercise comes in many forms and can
be a lot of fun! With a little creativity you can easily
add some fun physical activity into your parenting
style.
- Lead the way
You need to set a good example. Kids, especially younger
children, naturally follow their parents. So make sure
you are looking after your own health and making
physical activity a priority in your life.
- Do it together
In today’s overscheduled world, we need to make sure we
are spending quality time with our children. What better
way than to be active together. Since kids can’t be
alone roaming the neighborhood, parents need to play
with them.
- Make it fun
Put on some music and dance. Play tag. Roller blade.
Basically just play. Provide them with toys and
equipment that encourage them to be active while having
fun. Bikes, scooters, hockey sticks and baseball bats will
get your kids moving and active. For preschool children,
ride on toys that get them exercising like pedal cars,
big wheels and tricycles are always a great parenting
decision.
- Cheer them on Create positive reinforcements with encouragement and
support. Help them find sports and activities that build
their self esteem. Attend their sporting events and let
them know you are their biggest fan whether they win or
lose.
- Turn it off Of course, we need to limit the time our kids watch TV
and play video games. But make sure you do it in a
positive way. If they are angry that you just turned off
their favorite show, they might not be too excited about
going out rollerblading with you.
Allow screen time during designated hours, preferably
after homework is done and when physical activity is
finished, like in the evening or on Saturday morning
when tired parents might need to catch a few extra
minutes of sleep.
Adding more physical activity into your family’s routine
will help you all feel better and get you having more
fun together. Most importantly, as you model a healthy
lifestyle you will help instill in your children
lifelong habits and healthy attitudes toward exercise
and physical activity.
Tags:
fitness,
nutrition
