Being a mother of the modern times, we can just dream of parenting in a safe world where parents could allow their kids to move about freely in the neighborhood or have natural exercise like playing. Nowadays, most children spend their time watching the TV or playing video games over packs of junk snack foods.

There is nothing much, an anxious parent can do with trying to compete against advertising mastermind and instant satisfaction. It is very tough for carrot sticks and exercise to compete with chips, Xboxes and SpongeBob.

We can see the proof all around us and as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heath of many North Americans is at risk due to damaging lifestyles. National Center for Health Statistics new data shows that around 30 percent of 20 years and older adults from the U.S are overweight. It also suggests that the number of young people who are obese has become triple since 1980.

Why should you be concerned even if your child is not overweight?

Your children are of normal weight and you have been parenting well, but when the lifestyle is unhealthy there is very little chance of natural exercise.  We have to make a conscious effort to include physical activity in children’s daily routine. There are many advantageous of leading a physically active life still many Americans are inactive. Children who are not active grow up into inactive adults. 

How can parents encourage children to exercise?

It is recommended by the American Heart Association young people should exercise for an hour or so daily. Exercise can be done in several ways and can be fun. 

Show the way. It is important to set an example as children have a tendency to imitate their parents. Ensure that you have a healthy lifestyle and you have made physical activity essential in life.

Exercise together. In the modern busy lifestyle, we have to find time to spend with the kids and exercising together is a wonderful way of doing it. It is not possible for children to move around in the neighborhood alone and parents can exercise with them.

Make it fun. You can play tag, dance or play any other game with the kids. Buy them equipment and toys which persuade them to stay active. It is good fun for children to bike, play hockey and baseball and this will also keep the child active. If you have preschool children, give then exercising toys like wheels, pedal cars or tricycles.

Limit TV and video game time. It is vital to have a time limit for kids to play video games and see TV, but it has to be done positively. They will not like to go out and exercise if they get angry when you suddenly switch off their favorite program. Let them watch at pre-designated times, maybe after the homework and physical activity get over.  

You and your family will feel better by including more physical activity in your daily routine. If you have a healthy lifestyle, it will help inculcate healthy habits and attitude in your children for lifelong.

For more useful information, please visit our website: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, and look for the FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS  section.