The most important details are that 30% of U.S. adults 20 and older are obese, and that the proportion of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. In a world where walking is limited, school P.E. programs are being cut, and cars, elevators, and buses eliminate our natural opportunity to exercise, we must make a concerted effort to incorporate physical activity into our and our children's daily lives. Exercise can take many forms and can be a lot of fun, and with a little imagination, parents can incorporate some enjoyable physical activity into their parenting style.
Parents must prioritize spending quality time with their children through physical activity. Toys and equipment that encourage them to be active while having fun should be provided, such as bikes, scooters, hockey sticks, and baseball bats. Encourage them to find sports and activities that will boost their self-esteem, and deactivate screen time during designated times. By modeling a healthy lifestyle, parents can help their children develop lifelong habits and attitudes toward exercise and physical activity.
Was it easier to be a parent forty years ago?
As a new millennium mom, I fantasize about parenting in a world where streets are safe and parents can let their children run freely through the neighborhood, their bodies naturally challenged by play.
Instead, before the slam of the car door fades and the backpack falls to the floor, the TV is turned on, and the last few hours of daylight are lost in a haze of video games and overly processed snack foods.
Even the most concerned, well-meaning parent can find themselves helpless in the face of marketing genius and instant gratification. Exercise and carrot sticks are up against Xboxes, SpongeBob, and potato chips.
The evidence is all around us. Too many North Americans' health is jeopardized due to unhealthy lifestyles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity)
According to the most recent National Center for Health Statistics data, 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 and older – or more than 60 million people – are obese. According to the CDC, the proportion of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980.
Why should I be concerned because my children are not obese?
Are your children normal? You're doing a great job as a parent. However, in a world where walking is limited, school P.E. programs are being cut, and cars, elevators, and buses eliminate our natural opportunity to exercise, we must make a concerted effort to incorporate physical activity into our and our children's daily lives.
Despite all of the benefits of physical activity, the majority of Americans are sedentary. (www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing factors.htm). Inactive children are more likely to grow up to be inactive adults. (www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4596)
So, as parents, how can we get our children to move?
"Every day, children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity," according to the American Heart Association.
The good news is that exercise can take many forms and can be a lot of fun! With a little imagination, you can easily incorporate some enjoyable physical activity into your parenting style.
1. Show the way
You must lead by example. Children, particularly younger children, naturally mimic their parents. So, take care of your own health and make physical activity a priority in your life.
2. Carry it out together
In today's hectic world, we must prioritize spending quality time with our children. What better way to bond than through physical activity? Parents must play with their children because they cannot be left alone in the neighborhood.
3. Make it enjoyable.
Play some music and get up and dance. Tag is a game. The roller blade. Basically, just have fun. Toys and equipment that encourage them to be active while having fun should be provided.
Bikes, scooters, hockey sticks, and baseball bats will keep your children active and moving. Ride-on toys that get preschool children moving, such as pedal cars, big wheels, and tricycles, are always a good parenting choice.
4. Encourage them
Encouragement and support can be used to create positive reinforcements. Assist them in locating sports and activities that will boost their self-esteem. Attend their sporting events and show them that you care whether they win or lose.
5. Deactivate it
Of course, we need to limit the amount of time our children spend watching TV and playing video games. However, make certain that you do so in a positive manner. If they are upset because you just turned off their favorite show, they may not be enthusiastic about going rollerblading with you.
Allow screen time during designated times, preferably after homework and physical activity, such as in the evenings or on Saturday mornings when tired parents may need a few extra minutes of sleep.
Including more physical activity in your family's routine will make you all feel better and allow you to spend more time together. Most importantly, by modeling a healthy lifestyle, you will help your children develop lifelong habits and attitudes toward exercise and physical activity.
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