Most adults feel challenged to exercise more once January 1 rolls around, but movement benefits everyone in our homes! Parents, when you set the example that exercise is valued, you are positively impacting their health for life. Research has found children are twice as likely to be active if their mother is but three and a half times more likely if their father is. Our habits as parents inspire health for our kids!
Mom and Dad, don’t feel bad for taking time to get your sweat on! But you can take it a step further and include the kids in the fun. The benefits of exercise for kids are plentiful! Exercise improves the health of their lungs and heart, helps them maintain a healthy weight, makes for better sleep, improves their self-esteem, improves bone health, balance and flexibility, and improves their social skills!
Some ways to get everyone moving include taking family walks, bike rides, backyard playtime, all getting out and playing a game such as frisbee, soccer, football, basketball, or whatever you all enjoy, going roller skating, taking the kids to the gym with you (kids ages nine and up can workout with you at the YMCA), go for a swim, sign the kids up for a sport, try Karate, have a family dance party, and more! Make a goal for daily movement as a family, and everyone will reap the rewards!
Related Resource: Listen to Our FREE Parenting Podcast!
Christian Parent/Crazy World with Catherine Segars is available on LifeAudio.com. Listen to one of Catherine’s most popular episodes from the past year – 13 Ways to Be a Better Parent This Year:
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