| Was parenting easier forty years ago? | | | | 1. Lead the way |
| | | | |
| As a mom in the new millennium, I dream about | | | | You need to set a good example. Kids, |
| the idea of parenting in a world where | | | | especially younger children, naturally follow |
| streets are safe and parents can let their | | | | their parents. So make sure you are looking |
| children run freely through the neighborhood, | | | | after your own health and making physical |
| their bodies naturally challenged with the | | | | activity a priority in your life. |
| exercise of play. | | | | |
| | | | 2. Do it together |
| Instead today, before the slam of the car | | | | |
| door fades and the backpack drops on the | | | | In today's overscheduled world, we need to |
| floor, the TV is switched on and the last few | | | | make sure we are spending quality time with |
| hours of daylight disappear in a haze of | | | | our children. What better way than to be |
| video games and over processed snack foods. | | | | active together. Since kids can't be alone |
| | | | roaming the neighborhood, parents need to |
| Even the concerned, well-meaning parent can | | | | play with them. |
| often stand helpless, wondering how to | | | | |
| compete against marketing genius and instant | | | | 3. Make it fun |
| gratification. Exercise and carrot sticks | | | | |
| have a hard time competing with Xboxes, | | | | Put on some music and dance. Play tag. Roller |
| SpongeBob and potato chips. | | | | blade. Basically just play. Provide them with |
| | | | toys and equipment that encourage them to be |
| The proof is all around us. According to the | | | | active while having fun. |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, | | | | |
| the health of too many North Americans is in | | | | Bikes, scooters, hockey sticks and baseball |
| danger because of unhealthy lifestyles. ( | | | | bats will get your kids moving and active. |
| | | | For preschool children, ride on toys that get |
| The latest data from the National Center for | | | | them exercising like pedal cars, big wheels |
| Health Statistics show that 30 percent of | | | | and tricycles are always a great parenting |
| U.S. adults 20 years of age and older - over | | | | decision. |
| 60 million people - are obese. The CDC | | | | |
| reports the percentage of young people who | | | | 4. Cheer them on |
| are overweight has more than tripled since | | | | |
| 1980. | | | | Create positive reinforcements with |
| | | | encouragement and support. Help them find |
| My kids aren't obese - why should I be | | | | sports and activities that build their self |
| concerned? | | | | esteem. Attend their sporting events and let |
| | | | them know you are their biggest fan whether |
| Your kids are normal, right? You are | | | | they win or lose. |
| parenting just fine. But in a world where | | | | |
| walking is limited, school P.E. programs are | | | | 5. Turn it off |
| being cut, and cars, elevators and buses | | | | |
| eliminate our chance to exercise naturally, | | | | Of course, we need to limit the time our kids |
| we need to make a concerted effort to make | | | | watch TV and play video games. But make sure |
| physical activity part of our day and our | | | | you do it in a positive way. If they are |
| children's days. | | | | angry that you just turned off their favorite |
| | | | show, they might not be too excited about |
| Despite all the benefits of being physically | | | | going out rollerblading with you. |
| active, most Americans are sedentary. ( | | | | |
| Inactive children are likely to become | | | | Allow screen time during designated hours, |
| inactive adults. ( | | | | preferably after homework is done and when |
| | | | physical activity is finished, like in the |
| So as parents how can we get our kids moving? | | | | evening or on Saturday morning when tired |
| | | | parents might need to catch a few extra |
| "The American Heart Association recommends | | | | minutes of sleep. |
| that children and adolescents participate in | | | | |
| at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous | | | | Adding more physical activity into your |
| physical activity every day." | | | | family's routine will help you all feel |
| | | | better and get you having more fun together. |
| The great news is exercise comes in many | | | | Most importantly, as you model a healthy |
| forms and can be a lot of fun! With a little | | | | lifestyle you will help instill in your |
| creativity you can easily add some fun | | | | children lifelong habits and healthy |
| physical activity into your parenting style. | | | | attitudes toward exercise and physical |
| | | | activity. |