Wellness Articles

Wellness Index

Many adults are working hard at working out, while kids are more out of shape than they've been in years. Is it too much TV? Too much time playing video games? Too little physical activity? Too much junk food?

Here are some tips for parents interested in improving the fitness level of their kids. Remember, the main themes for a "kid fitness program" should include example, motivation, participation, and fun.

Set a good example. Children may not always be able to express it, but they're keenly aware of any inconsistencies or contradictions involving "Do as I say, not as I do." Example is the best teacher, so if you stick with an exercise and healthy diet program, they can't use your habits as an excuse for continuing their own inactivity or bad eating habits.

Know what goals motivate your kids. Have they mentioned participating in sporting events at school, or other competitive activities such as baseball, softball, or soccer? Perhaps they're looking forward to upcoming hiking trips with a scouting organization. Are they eager for that camping trip, where being out of shape is a definite "downer"?

Choose activities you can do with your kids. Perhaps they'd like to join you in ice skating, roller skating, swimming, or hiking, even a day-hike at a local park. Walks around the neighborhood can involve the whole family. Get them outside for a group photo — taken on a walk to some picturesque spot.

Choose active toys and gifts for birthdays and holidays. Would a new bike, skateboard, pair of roller skates, sled, or surf board get them outdoors for physical activity? Buy toys that require physical participation: push toys, climbing structures, and tricycles for toddlers; sports equipment, jump ropes, and basketballs for older children. Make family walks fun by picking a "theme" for each one, such as "Who can collect the most aluminum cans?" or a scavenger hunt where children compete to find the most items on a list of items commonly found on sidewalks, such as a bottle cap, a leaf, or a twig, for them to place in a bag brought along for that purpose.

More Tips for Health-Minded Parents

If it's inclement weather outside, turn on the stereo or radio to a music station the child might enjoy and have a dance "contest." Buy a recording or video of one of the many children's exercise programs now available. They can exercise along with their favorite cartoon characters. Pretend you're all in training for the Olympics and have a family stretching session. Put a foam rubber pad on the floor and demonstrate to each other your gymnastic skills, no matter how modest they may be. The effort — and the example — will be appreciated.

Finally, attack the main "enemies" of fitness directly by buying only healthy, nutritious food, even for snacks, and by strictly limiting TV viewing.

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