Keeping Kids Active

    I thought I'd talk today about kids fitness! As a Mom, I want to make sure my kids are growing up strong, confident and in good health. Let's be honest, little kids (pre-school aged) are always moving, but as kids get into school, they can start to slow down! So, today I'm going to talk about school-aged kids and keeping them active.

    I met a little girl recently who is only 6 years old, and is the average height of a 6 year old (about 3 1/2 ft), but weighs at least 25-30lbs more than "the average" 6 year old (I know "the average" weight can vary widely, but this particular child is obese). I honestly don't judge her (she's only 6!!!), or even her parents, but it makes my heart sad to think of the health issues she will likely have as she gets older. I can't say that she'll struggle with confidence or anything else because perhaps her parents are instilling in her a strong sense of self-worth, but in this day and age, where being thin is made out to be the most important thing, I can imagine she will have some mental obstacles to overcome.

    Kids need to exercise to help build confidence, strength, and to lay the foundation to a healthy lifestyle. That's why in school, physical education is important in order to help kids not only achieve sharpness of the mind, but also an appropriate level of fitness. But, outside of school, how can we encourage our kids to stay active?

​Tips On Keeping Kids Active

     According to kidshealth.org, some helpful guidelines for raising healthy kids are:

- Get at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days

- Avoid periods of inactivity of 2 hours or more unless sleeping

    I think everyone can agree that those 2 things are really very simple and manageable! 

    So, let's see what this looks like in a practical way! 

Outdoor fun!

​      During weekends (when there isn't a school gym period, recess, or scheduled sports), it's very important for kids to stay active. When they're out of school, here are some things that you can make them do to keep them fit and healthy!
​

1.  Get them to help around the house. Even if it's only washing the dishes or cleaning a small area, it will be good exercise for them (and can be helpful for you too!)!
2. Don't prevent them from playing outside! On weekends, there's no such thing as "playing too much" outside! Let them play in the yard, ride around the neighbourhood on their bike, jump rope, throw a ball, or run around playing tag with friends. Not only will they be happy, but it will help build their immune system, and give them a good night's sleep! 
3. If they need a little bit of encouragement, take them with you and get them active together. Go for a walk, ride a bike, help them learn to jump rope, throw a ball, or build a fort. Some practical ways to get active would be to help with raking leaves, weeding gardens, or shovelling snow.  Kids love to play and hang around with their parents!  Not to sound like I'm laying a guilt trip, but we are blessed beyond measure in this country to be able to play with our kids! Many countries where democracy is an issue, kids are separated from their families and most of the time they have to rely on charities for care, food, and comfort. So take advantage of the freedom that you have with your child(ren) and play with them! Besides, kids grow up fast and you'll miss playing with them if you don't hang around with them more when they're young! I "get my kids in trouble" for growing up without my permission, and demand they stay small. : )
4. On rainy days, keep an assortment of things that they can play around with at home. It could be something as simple as a hula-hoop, jump ropes, having a dance party (just turn on some turns and let the kids dance!) or anything else that they can use at home to stay active. Avoid giving them balls to play with inside though - unless you want them to break things!?!? 
5. Outside school and the home, there will always be a place for them to stay active. Go to playgrounds, walking or bike paths, or  if your kids love video games you can even check out some arcades since there are games now that demand a lot of movements from players like dance arcade machines or drums simulation games (check out this amazing arcade dancer!) 

​

Indoor dance party!

      
​     Just remember, fitness is important if you want your kids to grow up physically and mentally fit! Don't make it complicated, but make sure it's happening!

​