Easy ways to help your kids be more active

With childhood obesity on the rise, as parents of the next generation, it is our responsibility to ensure that we teach our children to live a healthy lifestyle.

I was shocked recently during a preschool information session when the Director said that last year they had a number of children that could not physically write because they had no core strength. When talking about this with my husband, we concluded that, unless due to an underlying health issue, this could only be as a result of the modern day 'screen' obsession.

It is in a child's nature to want to move, play and explore. Below are a few tips to finding fun ways to fit exercise into your daily lives that will not only set your children up for a healthy lifestyle but help you in the health and fitness department.

1. Walk to preschool/school
In most suburbs, there is a local preschool or primary school within walking distance.

From our house, it is about 1km to my daughter's preschool along a dedicated walking track which is away from traffic.



My daughter loves to ride her bike (like her daddy), so unless it is raining - she rides her bike and I walk with my 7 month old in the pram.

This is great for everyone. By the end of the day I have walked 4kms, my daughter has ridden 2kms and my youngest falls asleep on the way home in the morning, which gives me time to do some chores or even write an article or 2!

2. Organise a play date at the local park or even your own backyard
Play dates are a great way to get the kids moving. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. The kids can run, climb, jump, swing all day long. This type of incidental exercise is great for developing their gross motor skills.



3. Treat your kids (and yourself) to a day at a play centre
If it is raining or too hot to play outside, why not treat your kids (and yourself) to a day at a local play centre? There the kids can release their energy and play in a safe environment with a variety of activities that engage different skills and muscles.

Check out this article from SupahAnnie about her experience at a local play centre Sports Bliss Soft Play Centre

There's just a couple of ideas to get the kids moving. Do you have any ideas you can share?

#play
#sport
#development
#bicycle
#exercise

%parent101