Keeping Your Kids Fit

Between school, homework and other activities, it’s often tough to make health one of your kids’ priorities. It can feel like there’s simply not enough time in the day for them to do everything and make sure their growing bodies are getting the workout they need. And the consequences can be shocking. The International Obesity Task Force reported in November that 27 percent of all U.S. 10-year-olds are overweight or obese. But there are ways to ensure your kids are getting the right amount of exercise. The Michigan Health System gives some great advice for encouraging some developing some fun and healthy habits in your kids, even if they are resistant to exercising.

• Find out what kinds of activities your children like and make this a focus of your family activities.
• Keep the word “exercise” out of your vocabulary. Instead, promote “play time” or “outside time” and encourage activities that are fun and physical like hop-scotch, jumping rope, tag or hide-and-go-seek.
• Use family walks or bike rides as a time to do more than just exercise together.
• Try planning social outings like dancing or roller skating to involve physical activity.
• Make it a rule to leave the television off one day a week. Your kids–and you–will be more likely to do something physical.
• Draw the line where exercise becomes a chore. Keep it light and enjoyable.
• Plan different activities and let your children take turns choosing what the family will do.
• Try to be available as much as possible when your children play games such as tag, capture the flag, or kickball. You might surprise yourself that you can still play.

Studies have shown that kids will feel better and do better in school if they stay active. And exercise could also make them willing to go to bed earlier. Check out iVillage’s Total Health website for more information on how to make exercise a family affair.