The family that is active together … has healthier kids and parents! And they are all more likely to remain active as they grow up and age.
Many families feel too busy to get out and be active: work, school, homework and life seem to get in the way. And the lure of electronic devices seems to draw our kids more and more into a sedentary lifestyle.
Let’s change that! Being active has countless mental and physical health benefits. Try these tips to find a path to a healthier active lifestyle for the whole family:
Be a good example!
Park the car and walk or bicycle to do errands close by, visit friends or family or get kids to school.
Play like children.
Young kids naturally run and jump and climb for fun and adults marvel at their energy. Moving yourself increases your energy as well as your fitness. So get the kids out and play with them. Do you dare run through the sprinkler? Try road hockey, soccer, hopscotch, tag, hide and seek, the possibilities are endless. Even just 20 minutes! At the park? Don’t just sit and watch them – get up!
Move that “video gamer”
If your child is very computer/video game oriented, try one of the many systems or games that use your body movements as the controller to drive the games. The kids are more active, and still enjoying the experience, and, they can teach you to play with them. Have a family contest or game night.
Explore nature
Kids and adults alike can enjoy nature and learn about our trees, plants and wildlife with visits to local parks, conservation areas or waterfronts. Include some healthy snacks and a book on Ontario’s plants or wildlife and see what you can find when walking the trails, in the woods or on bicycles. Don’t forget your helmets.
