Have you ever noticed your child copying your commonly said phrases?  My five year old daughter often says “I know, right?” and all three of my kids begin sentences with “actually…”  Both of these are phrases I commonly use.  Has that ever happened to you?  Yah, exercise is like that too.

 

In honor of Father’s Day, this post is for all parents looking to set a STRONG example for their kids.  We all know that most kids today are not as active as they should be and that childhood obesity (as well as adult obesity) is on the rise. I really don’t need to give you the statistics.  We hear it all the time.  There are campaigns to encourage physical activity for kids; the NFL has Play 60 and Michelle Obama created Let’s Move.  The newest research suggests that just seven minutes of vigorous exercise per day significantly reduces a child’s risk of becoming obese (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/uoaf-kna110912.php).  So how do we get our kids moving and in turn reaping all the benefits of physical activity?

 

In short, we get moving ourselves.  As parents, we know that our kids are highly likely to copy our behavior…both positive and negative.  I’m not suggesting that every time you exercise, you need to have your kids in tow.  We all need some me time, and exercise can fill that need.  You can; however, let your kids witness you heading out the door or coming back in after your workout.  You should talk about the types of workouts you do and have your kids try some of the exercises at home.  If fitness is a part of your healthy lifestyle, your children will take note and follow suit!

 

In addition to letting your kids see that exercise is an important part of your life, being active with your kids can be rewarding for the whole family.  Summer is an excellent time to be active outside: walk, run, bike, swim, play ball, cross the monkey bars, jump rope…you get the idea.  If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty you can do indoors: do an exercise video, play a video game with a fitness component, or go through some yoga poses. 

 

So next time you worry about your kid(s) spending too much time in front of a screen and too little time moving and playing actively, take stock of your own activity level.  To get your kids moving…get yourself moving!

 

Until Next Week,
Emily Stapleton