Mothers in the new millennium would like the streets to be safe so that their children can run freely through the neighborhood while challenging their bodies with the exercise of play. However, this is not the case as kids in the new millennium are used to TVs, iPads, endless YouTube videos, WhatsApp, games, and eating over-processed snack foods. Want to point your kids in the right direction? Then follow on for Children & Exercise: Encourage Fitness to be their New Superpower!
Don’t Defend Obesity: Unhealthy Lifestyles are Causing Real Danger
A parent in the new millennium can often feel helpless as they wonder how they can compete against marketing genius and instant gratification. Kids love Xboxes, SpongeBob, and potato chips more than exercise and healthy food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unhealthy lifestyles are posing a real danger to the health of many North Americans.
According to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics, 30% of adults in the USA aged 20 years and above – more than 60 million people- are obese. The CDC reports that the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980.
Those parents whose kids are not obese may be asking themselves why they should be concerned about this and may think that they are just fine when it comes to parenting. However, as a parent, you need to know that nowadays, walking is limited, PE programs in schools are being cut, and elevators, cars, and the ease and plethora of buses have made it hard for us to exercise naturally. As such, you need to make exercise part of your daily life and your children’s lives too.
Habits Rule: An Inactive Child is Likely to Become an Inactive Adult
Even though being physically active has many benefits, many Americans live a sedentary lifestyle. An inactive child is likely to become an inactive adult. So, as a parent, how can you incorporate exercise into your child’s daily routine? The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents do moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes.
A Parent Should Commit to Model Fitness for the Sake of their Kids
There are many exercises and doing them can be fun. A parent can incorporate fun physical activity into his or her parenting style. Be a good role model when it comes to participating in physical activity.
Children, especially younger children often follow what their parents do. So, try as much as possible to live a healthy lifestyle by doing things like incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise with your child you can even turn special occasions into exercise with a football birthday party.
Drop the TV & Xbox in Favour of Sports or other Physical Exercise
Even if you have a busy schedule, set aside time to spend quality time with your kids. One of the best ways to spend quality time with your kids is to be active together. Children cannot roam the neighborhood alone. That is why it is a good idea for parents to play with them.
Make spending time with your children fun. Put on music and dance. Rollerblade. Play tag. Children need toys and equipment that encourage them to be active while having fun. Scooters, bicycles, baseball bats, and hockey sticks can help keep a child active. Toys like big wheels, pedal cars, and tricycles are ideal for preschool children and keep them active and moving.
Let Fitness be Your Kids’ New Superpower!
Encourage your kids to be more active and cheer them whenever they participate in physical activities. Help them find activities and sports that boost their self-esteem. If they participate in any sports activities, attend their sporting events and let them know that you are their biggest fan and you don’t care whether they win or lose. It’s about getting a lot out of it physically, not getting injured. Remember from now on, encourage fitness to be your kids’ new superpower!
It’s a good idea to limit the time your children spend playing video games and watching TV. Just ensure that you do this in a friendly way. Keep in mind that if they are angry that you turned off the TV, they will not enjoy rollerblading with you. Allow screen time only between or during certain hours especially after your kid has done their homework and after they participate in a physical activity like a walk in the evening or on Saturday morning when tired parents need a few extra snooze minutes.
Are you trying to get your kids to be more active? Don’t give up! What things could you change in order to get your kids to be active for 30 minutes per day? Let us know in the comments below, and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
