Health Fitness for Kids like Mine

SPRING Into Action

Parents play a significant part in their child's lives, especially in the early years. It is the job of every parent to teach the important lessons of life and healthy fitness is definitely one of them!

Building good habits early increase the chances of a healthier, active adulthood!

But it is not always easy. You must be ready to face failures and acknowledge success. You must be patient, supportive and flexible. You must Spring into Action against inactivity!

"Shift Gears"
One of the biggest reasons the average 9-12 year old drops out of organized sports? They can't keep up with the physically gifted - you know, those athletic kids with amazing natural talent?

All kids develop at different rates. Just because your child isn't considered "gifted" in a particular sport doesn't mean he/she can't be physically fit!

Constant competition resulting in repeated failure or serious mismatching of skills on organized teams can seriously discourage not-so-athletic kids from being active at all!

At this age, the basic rules of a sport are understood. This is when competition comes into play and with it, excessive demands and performance pressures. Serious drilling and emphasis on a winning team often leads these children to simply give up!

But don't despair! It may call for you to be more creative and shift gears. So your child isn't interested in organized sports? There are plenty of things to do, like going for a walk or a bike ride after dinner. How about grabbing a jump rope or having a catch? Try skating or horseback riding. Even things like bowling or a friendly game of ping-pong can increase overall fitness.

Use your imagination - ask your kids - anything that gets them off the couch and in motion is a good thing! Let them see being active is fun. Shift from being the best at a particular activity to just plain having fun - don't let kids slide because they are inept at organized sports!

"Parental Involvement"
Parents often find themselves in a definite pickle, so to speak. Kids may resist your attempts at increasing their activity level! The best thing to do is lead by example. Sure, it's easy to put off exercising - as adults, we are constantly juggling time between work and family - prioritizing all the time. And let's face it, grabbing a hamburger on the way home is definitely easier than cooking a healthy meal after working all day, but making time to improve your own health will improve that of your child.

Let your child see your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Emphasize more activity, not consistent sedentary pastimes. Take an active role and join in - take a special course together like karate or tai chi. Not only does this increase both of your activity levels, it provides some quality "together time".

Offer some type of reward for fitness goals you set, such as an increase in allowance, having a friend sleep over or going on a special trip. Go to a movie or pick a special food at mealtime - even something as simple as allowing an extended curfew or allowing him/her to skip their daily chores for a day can increase their willing participation in a more active lifestyle.

"Regulate Activities"
All kids need parental guidance for their safety as well as their overall well-being. Regulate "couch potato" activities, such as watching TV or playing video games.

Set aside time for physical activity. Make fitness goals and acknowledge successes.

Make a list of activities so kids still have freedom to choice.

And don't get caught up in the rules and regulations of a game - the goal here is to have fun and get moving!

"Increase Overall Activity"
By increasing activity a mere few minutes per day may decrease your risk of health-related problems and increase life expectancy.

By making time to play, you are making time for health. Make time to be more active or at least avoid inactivity and you will be rewarded with a healthier, happier child.

"Nutrition"
It is imperative to watch kid's diet. After all, kids are still developing. You don't have to deny all "unhealthy" choices - they are okay, but on a limited basis. Instead, create healthy alternatives with an occasional indulgence.

Don't get sucked into "fad diets". Kids have nutritional requirements for proper growth and development - don't skimp on the important dietary needs.

Need help? Seek professional advice - a nutrition expert or your physician, even the school nurse can help assure your child is getting adequate sustenance for healthy growth.

"Group Involvement"
Group involvement does not always mean organized sports teams. For the "non-athletic" child, organized sports may hamper instead of inspire. Instead, get some friends together and have a friendly game of volleyball or baseball. Try a fitness class like aerobics or karate. Make an obstacle course. Make it fun - make it age-appropriate - make it active!