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