Parenting: Get Your Child To Exercise

Parenting Tips: 6 Ways To Get Your Child To Exercise Parenting is not an easy job. My in-laws used to tell us their children didn’t come with instruction books – which is why they made so many mistakes as parents. I secretly thought to myself, “They made mistakes because they didn’t use their common sense.”

Of course, what did I know?

But, alas, it’s true – children don’t come with instruction books and as parents, we do the best we can based on our own upbringing and what we hear, read, and observe from other parents.

I will admit, however, parenting was easier forty years ago when guns weren’t found in schools, drugs were not prolific, and children were allowed to play outside, fearless of getting abducted.

Years ago parents could let their children run free in the neighborhood, where exercise was a natural thing. Bicycling, rolling skating, and playing at the park were all after-school activities until dinnertime. Childhood laughter would float through the backyards as running through those yards was the order of the day.

Outdoor exercise is almost a word of the past and Wii has been invented to get our families “fit” by working out in front of the television.

As parents, what can we do to motivate our kids to exercise?

1. First of all: We can lead the way. Kids learn from examples. Parents who are involved with outdoor activities and are health and fitness conscious will undoubtedly pass along their lifestyle to their offspring. When exposed to a healthy lifestyle while still young, children will follow suit, naturally.

2. Do things together. If you live near a park or trail, buy a bike for every member of the family, then get into the habit of riding together on certain days or week-ends. Jog together before work and school. Join the YWCA and sign up for indoor swimming. Make exercise a family affair.

3. Make it fun. Put on some good music (not the boom-boom kind) and dance with your kids. Show them some dance steps you did as a younger person, when you were in school; and teach them the steps in exchange for their teaching you what kids do today. Put a trampoline in the backyard for lots of jumping and tumbling.

4. Give them chores. There’s nothing wrong with assigning your children to responsibilities of cutting the grass, clipping the bushes, raking leaves, etc. Getting them out of the house to participate in household maintenance will establish a natural exercise routine. It will not only get the grass cut, but will create a sense of accomplishment in your child.

5. Cheer them on. Kids love competitive games. Get them moving with baseball, softball, tennis, or gymnastics. Not only will they develop motor skills, but will become muscle toned, as well. Just be sure, as parents, to support their efforts with applause and praise.

6. Turn it off. This means limiting the TV and video games to a bare minimum. Give your child a limited choice of which television programs he or she can choose to watch and stick to it. Video games may be something for cold or rainy weather, when outdoor activities are not conducive. Make a plan and work the plan for optimum results.

Statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of the adults in the U.S. are obese – over 60 million people!

Sedentary adults breed sedentary children. Work takes time and brings stress. However, exercise is a stress reliever, so set the example by taking time for exercise that involves the whole family.

You and they will feel better for it!

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Author: The Behavior Solution – the Child Behavior Repair Kit for Parents