Get Moving and Grooving With Your Family! |
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[Guest Editorial published 10/16/08]
Are you sad to see summer go? Are you worried that your kids will go stir crazy indoors this winter? Kids are designed by nature to move and play and dance and giggle—with a few simple suggestions, you can help your kids burn off their energy in a healthy way, without driving you crazy!
Be a good role model for your children. Encourage your children to view physical activity as a natural and enjoyable part of YOUR day, not a forced or dreaded habit for you. Remember the many benefits of exercise for your entire family: increases self-esteem, helps to control weight, builds healthy bones, reduces stress levels and teaches team-building skills.
Encourage physical activity with the entire family by taking group walks, playing games with your children or participating in weekend events in the backyard or parks. If your child participates in organized sports, be sure to reward his/her effort and enthusiasm, not just his/her level of talent on the playing field.
Limit the time your children watch television or play video games to no more than 1 hour per day. Instead, encourage your children to find indoor fun activities which simply involve more moving (hide-and-seek, dancing).
Stuck inside on a chilly weekend? Consider buying a disco ball and throwing a Friday night dance party for your kids and their friends! Grab a hula hoop or jump rope for more indoor fun with music. Amazon.com has great deals on disco balls and hula hoops (even a travel model!) Add a little gymnastics into the mix, and try out forward somersaults or handstands against the wall. Or buy an indoor basketball set or mini trampoline.
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When buying toys and presents for your children, choose toys that would encourage moving such as bikes, balls and outdoor equipment. Try to minimize the number of toys which encourage them to play inside or sit in front of the TV or computer. Check out this cool website for more creative ideas, 
mindandfitness.com. Offer positive reinforcement for any activity in which your children participates and encourage them as they express interest in new activities.
Make a weekly goal for getting your family to the swimming pool this winter—find a family-friendly indoor swimming pool or water park [SEE LEFT BOX]. Most kids are extremely active at the swimming pool without any needed encouragement from mom or dad, and this can be a wonderful form of exercise for their growing bodies. If you child is ready, consider swim lessons to increase their confidence level and enjoyment of the pool.
Do you still feel like life is too hectic and busy for structured activities in your family? Incorporate small lifestyle changes into your day. Park your car in the farthest spot from the grocery store or shopping mall entrance. Take the stairs when possible. Encourage your children to run/race to the next outdoor store when possible.
Encourage your children to take the dog for a walk 1x/day. Even if the walk is short, you will be teaching them a sense of responsibility and the importance of exercise for everyone, including the pup! Check out active.com for a 1 mile weekend race with the dog or Turkey Trot race for the whole family. [See Boulder/Denver Race Calendar on GreatIdeasForKids.com]
Print the following activity pyramid and stick on your fridge at home, or print the blank pyramid and fill in for your family’s choices. It will serve as a daily reminder for your family to go outside and get moving and grooving!
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Annie Sasseville
GreatIdeasForKids.com Featured Expert on Pediatric Nutrition
Annie Sasseville, a registered dietitian (RD) and certified nutrition support dietitian (CNSD), has worked in the exciting and constantly changing field of pediatric nutrition for over eight years. After she spent 7 years in two of the top pediatric hospitals and sharpened her clinical skills, she recently stepped outside this area to focus more energy on preventative health issues for children and families. She has a 2-year old daughter and works from her home in Colorado.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 10 October 2009 )
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