Children and Exercise
There is currently a growing number of inactive children in this country, we as parents have the responsibility of instilling habits conducive to healthier children. It really is time to take action.
There are many things we as parents can do to help our children develop healthy habits, here are just a few of the possibilities.
With all the talk about childhood inactivity and subsequent obesity, don't you think it's time to take some action?
Fact: The average U.S. child gets approximately 43 minutes of moderate physical activity a day.
Fact: About 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are obese.
Fact: The average U.S. child spends 20% of his/her waking time watching TV.
Fact: Nine out of ten parents think their children are fit, when only one out of three are.
Fact: Children exercise less as they get older, boys about 3% less each year; girls, 7.5%.
One of the most effective things we can do as parents is to be good role models for our children. Paying attention to what we eat, how we exercise and how we treat our bodies, will set good examples for our children to follow. Children learn from their parents, whether, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy.
It is important as parents to give some thought to how you will or can make physical fitness a part of your child's life. After all, keeping kids active is an important part of helping them stay healthy. Children do not need to be on a formal exercise program to be fit, you can encourage them to, dance, jump rope, play hop-scotch, imitate animals such as bunnies, kangaroos or birds. Using their imagination, the possibilities are endless. It would also be helpful (for parents too) to schedule family time for activities like going for walks or bike rides.
Physical education is one of the most under-emphasized programs in schools today, yet you can hardly argue that being physically fit gives a child as much benefit as any other courses required in school. Physical education lends itself to improving academic performance, self-discipline, judgment and goal setting.
Nutritional requirements for children don't need to be as regimented as adults, as long as they are physically active and eating a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. A good way to ensure this balance is to make sure you offer your children choices. Having an array of fruit, vegetables, meats, pastas, dairy products and healthy snacks increase the odds of your child eating a balanced diet.
Besides, getting involved in your children's physical fitness is a great opportunity to start your own fitness regimen.
