THE BLOGFitness for kids.. part 2
As adults, we have the incredible responsibility to set an example for the next generation to come. Becoming active ourselves and paying attention to our children’s habits is paramount to teaching our kids about the values and attributes behind becoming physically active. Here are some simple tips:
1) Try to limit your child’s time spent watching television, movies, videos, and computer games to less than two hours a day. Substituting the rest of leisure time with physical activity will provide lasting benefits to a child.
For example, plan family outings and vacations that involve vigorous activities such as hiking, bicycling, skiing, swimming, tennis, etc. or give a child some household chores that tend to require more physical exertion (keeping in mind their levels of strength, coordination, and maturity). Mowing lawns, raking leaves, scrubbing floors and taking out the garbage not only teaches a child responsibility but can provide a good source of exercise.
2) Stay involved in your child’s physical education classes at school. At daycare, make sure the kids exercise at least 20 minutes a day. Ask about frequency of classes and activity, class size, curriculum (instruction in lifetime fitness activities as well as team sports should be emphasized), physical fitness assessments, qualifications of the teacher (should hold appropriate certification in physical education and be an appropriate role model for students).
Physical fitness should be measured at the beginning and end of each year, and goals should be established for each child.
3) Observe what sports and activities appeal to your children, then find out about lessons and clubs. While some kids love team sports, others thrive on individual activities. Some kids tend to attempt the more complicated and involved athletic activities, while others derive pleasure from the relatively simpler sports. Whatever you and your child take the time to participate in, try to gradually incorporate the benefits of physical fitness into their daily life.
4) Choose fitness-oriented gifts — a jump rope, mini-trampoline, tennis racket, baseball bat, a youth membership at the local YMCA or YWCA or golf lessons. Select the gift with your child’s skills and interests in mind.
5) If it is safe to walk or bike rather than drive, do so. Use stairs instead of elevators and escalators. Increase the distances you and your children walk
6) Spring your infant from mechanical restraints as much as possible. Strollers and playpens are high on convenience but low on activity potential. Try to unleash your diapered dynamo whenever and wherever he can safely move around.
7) When your children are bored, suggest something that gets them moving — like playing catch or doing some work out in the yard.
Discourage homework immediately after school to allow children to find some diversion from the structure of the school day. Children should be active after school and before dinner.
In conclusion, remember it is better to start teaching our kids at a younger age than it to wait until health problems or other negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle become serious as they grow and mature.
Let’s take the time NOW to teach our kids about the benefits of staying fit — and watch them accomplish ANYTHING!!
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