These days it seems more and more difficult to encourage our young children to stay active and be fit. As parents we are faced with many adversities in trying to form good habits for our children.
Video games and other sedentary activities are being marketed directly to our children, as are fast foods and junk foods. Everywhere in the ubiquitous media unhealthy snacks and couch activities are bombarding our children’s sensibilities.
This coupled with the fact that all the time saving technology such as smart phones and online conveniences for almost everything under the sun really just means that we as adults are expected to do more with less time rather than to save time to spend with our families.
As parents, we are often exhausted from working our jobs and also having to take care of our young ones and it becomes easy to leave your children to occupy themselves. Computers and video games become convenient baby sitters for our children and fast food becomes an easy way to feed the family after a long and tiring day. It does take a commitment from you as an adult to increase the level of fitness in your children. Here are some suggestions that you can incorporate into your life to bring more fitness to your children.
1 – Lead by example
The best way to encourage your children to lead healthy and fit lifestyles is to embrace a healthy and fit lifestyle for yourself. Children are much more aware than what many adults will give them credit for. If you, as a parent, constantly tell your kids to go outside and be active and yet the very first thing you do when you come home is to sit in front of the television, you create a big disconnect between what you say and what you do. We can all benefit from a healthier, more active lifestyle, and what better excuse for you to get yourself in better shape than to be a good role model for your children.
2 – Get your child involved swimming
Swimming is an activity that can last a lifetime and also is an important safety skill that may someday save your child’s life. There are swim schools that give private swim instruction based on a child’s level of development and therefore can be catered to the child’s level of fitness.
3 – Be involved with your children’s activities
It’s very easy for many parents to send their kids to activities just to get some alone time for yourself. Block out some time to be actively involved with your children’s physical activities. If you send your children out for swim lessons, go to the pool yourself and do some laps while they have their lesson and then play in the pool with your child after the lesson is over. This creates a great bonding experience and encourages the child to be more enthusiastic with their activity. Most young children enjoy and want the approval of their parents and participating with them only encourages them to be more active.
4 – Establish an active routine
This can be as simple as setting a time in the morning where you and your children go out and walk the dog or perhaps before dinner every evening you toss a baseball around or shoot a few hoops with the basketball. Make sure that the activity is always fun and it becomes incorporated into the lifestyle of your child.
5 – Limit the amount of TV and computer time
Set limits on how much time your kids can spend watching TV or playing computer games. Encourage them to do other activities. Incorporate the first 3 principles mentioned above to set a good alternative to watching screens.
Conclusion
It is always easier to not be active than to be active and as parents we need to do our best in these fast times to establish good healthy habits for our children. An active lifestyle will benefit both you and your children.
About the author: Audrey Ling is based in Southern California and writes about children’s health and fitness. She has been involved in swim fitness education for children and is associated with the private swim school, KidSwim.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Gabriella Fabbri.