How to Get the Your Kids Off of the Couch and into the Games

Are you the parent of a kiddie couch potato? According to www.allyoucaneatforkids.com an estimated 5.3 million children are overweight so the possibility that you're parenting one is high. If you think you're no match for the latest video game or cartoon series you may be surprised to learn that you are not even in the running. Sure kid's love watching evil villains plot to take over the world just to learn that the good guy had it all under control. They may even appear mesmerized by the rapid hand movements and competitive edge of a good video game but the truth of the matter is a kid always enjoys spending quality time with parents. There is no competition between the two until they hit puberty. You may have read numerous articles telling you a list of activities to try with your children but no one ever mentions how to get your child actively involved or interested enough to give it a try.

Not one child is alike so with that in mind every activity will not make your little couch potato excited. You're likely to receive some resistance while introducing something new to your little one. The key to overcoming it is creativity. Creativity is the one thing kids respond to. When approaching your child with an activity that may require a lot of movement use your creative edge to make it into a game of some sort. For example: You want your son or daughter to go on a hike. Naturally their first thoughts are they will have to walk and walk a lot. It then becomes your job to turn an average hike into a secret mission, a treasure hunt. Prepare a map and a list of necessary items to help you gather clues. Involve your child in the planning this will help keep their mind off of the exercise they are about to get. It also aids in creating memories that can last a lifetime.

Exercise is important for all age groups but especially vital for children. Children grow up to be obese adults and the cycle repeats itself. Because habits are formed over a period of time adults have more control over the habits their children pick up. It isn't enough to turn the television off after your child's two favorite shows but to replace TV time with a fun, creative, form of exercise. Don't make exercise a chore but turn it into something they look forward to doing. Participation from you will keep them off of the couch.