Exercise and Your Child – Teaching Your Child To Be More Physically Active
One of the major concerns in our culture is the rapidly rising weight of our nation's children. For many, the problem has far surpassed the idea of being "cute and chubby" and has moved on to being morbidly obese. One only needs to look at the proliferation of fast food restaurants and other nutritionally empty foods that have become popular in recent years in order to realize their detriment to our children. With the busy lifestyles that parents lead, it is often easier to "stop and get something" rather than to come home and prepare a nutritionally well-balanced meal for the family.
Food is not the only culprit when discussing the causes of childhood obesity. Many parents do not do enough to encourage their child to "go outside and play" or get involved in athletic activities. There are so many things to do inside the house while sitting in a big, comfortable chair that a child feels no need to move anymore than they have to. Naturally, your child's safety does play a large part in their ability to roam around outside. But there are alternatives that provide avenues for both exercise and safety.
There are several things that parents can do to encourage their children to become more active. The best way to encourage children to exercise is to be an example. Even when your children are babies, they should see you exercising, making physical activity an important part of your life. As they grow up seeing you enjoying being active, they will learn that exercise and physical activity is fun and an important part of your life.
Make exercise fun for your family. Think of things you can do together that encourage your children to get up and start moving! Install a basketball hoop in your driveway, and spend time shooting hoops with your kids. If your kids enjoy riding bikes, get yourself on your bike and take a ride as a family. If your child enjoys martial arts, then enroll him or her and a karate class. The key is to find something that inspires your child and encourage them to pursue that activity.
Another way to get your child moving even if the weather outside is not conducive to outside activities is through exercise videos. Find an exercise video or DVD that is aimed at children, and do the routine with your children. Not only will your children be healthier, but you just might loose a few pounds as well! Again, keep it fun! Laugh at the mistakes that you make, and stay upbeat!
Keep in mind that all children are different. Your child may or may not be athletic. Do not try to make your child into the next Michael Jordan if they cannot make a basket to save their life. Becoming a successful athlete is not the important issue when teaching your child to exercise. The important thing you are teaching your children is the lifetime habit of making exercise an enjoyable, and important, part of their life. Make it fun, exciting, and vary the activities you do. You will be teaching your child how to become a happy, healthy adult!
For additional educational information go here Fighting The Battle Of Obesity also Child Obesity In America and go to Obesity In Children Versus Adults