Get your family moving!
Are you tired of fighting with your kids to limit screen time and be more active? If your family is anything like mine, you struggle daily to get your kids to MOVE. Childhood obesity rates are on the rise, and the CDC recommends children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity EVERY day. Are your kids making the cut? We all know that we should be moving more and spending less time on devices. But how do we get our kids off the couch?
1. Barter. Trade screen time for exercise by offering 1/2 hour with devices for each 1/2 hour spent on the treadmill or other aerobic activity.
2. Make it a family affair. Start healthy family traditions such as going on a bike ride on Saturday mornings or taking a walk each evening after dinner. Or you could sign up for a fitness program that you can do together. I've got one for you HERE!
3. Lead by example. Kids often mimic what they see their parents doing. If you're sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips every night, your kids are likely to do the same. Be a positive example by practicing what you preach. Parents who are active have more active children.
4. Use exercise as a reward. If you're using exercise as punishment it could backfire and cause resentment and resistance. Instead offer exercise as a reward. For example, your child might jump at the chance to shoot hoops for 1/2 hour as a break from homework.
We can all benefit from more movement in our daily lives. I hope these tips help get your whole family moving.
