Would your child rather watch television and play video games
all day than move an inch? Children are battling obesity and
inactivity at alarming rates. It’s time to get our kids in shape
now, before they face serious health problems in the future. But
how?
As you can guess, the plan includes lots of fun. Any time you
can add excitement and laughter into an activity, you’ve got a
winner. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can help your
child not only become healthier, but enjoy the process!
First, plan some family nights out, and by that I mean Outdoors.
Catching fireflies, passing football, even camping out in the
backyard get the whole gang moving. Plus, you’re making memories
for a lifetime.
Secondly, kids love fun, unusual games.
Check out a book of outdoor games at the library, and play some
of the oddest ones. Use a tennis racket and large plastic ball
for baseball, a giant exercise ball for kickball, and balloons
for volleyball. The simple changes make the game more fun
–sometimes downright hysterical!
Next, it’s time to look
for a physical hobby – something that requires movement.
Gardening’s a great one – plant giant pumpkins, King Sunflowers,
grape tomatoes, mini carrots, and odd-shaped gourds for novelty.
Check out a book on carpentry for kids, and let your child learn
to build some simple items like birdhouses and feeders.
You may want to consider investing in one of the large,
inflatable waterslides or rock climbing wall. Some of these
inflatable items are surprisingly sturdy and provide hours of
physical fun and exercise.
Finally, enhance your child’s
creativity as well by having him or her design an obstacle
course in the backyard. Beware! You may have to run through it,
too! But activities that provide fun and fitness for the whole
family can’t be beat!
Who knows? Before long you may find the video games on a
shelf gathering dust. Wouldn’t that be a nice change of pace?
About the Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville,
TN. Visit
http://www.popular-diets.com/
for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well
as reviews and comments on popular diets
