13.9 % of children between the ages of 2-5 are overweight and half the U.S. population will be obese by 2030. Technology advances; we become more plugged in and at a younger age. Unfortunately, we plug in to media and unplug from our lives. Spending more time sitting down, rushing to appointments and grabbing food on the run. The result: more children are becoming obese.
Here are some suggestions to get your family up and active:
Unplug
Set limits on the television, video game, and computer time. While transitioning out of the video game phase, try introducing active games like Just Dance or Dance, Dance Revolution. Make use of the iPod conditional upon being up and active, using the iPod when running or working out.
Walk
Walk around the neighborhood and meet your neighbors. Walk to the park for a picnic under the blue sky and some playtime on the jungle gym. Walk to the neighborhood pool and go for a swim as a family. Walking is something the entire family can do together, even Grandma, and it’s a great chance to talk, laugh and bond.
Spontaneity
Incite impromptu races across the lawn, chase the kids around the backyard with the water hose on a hot summer day, balloon volleyball, water balloon fights, jump on a trampoline or a bouncy house. Climb a tree or start a game of freeze tag or Simon says.
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Experiment with other modes of transportation, something that includes more than just sitting as the machine does all the work: bikes, scooters, roller-skates, rollerblades, skateboards, and ice skates.
Be the Change You Want Them to See
Above all else, eat healthy and move. Grab your kids and race them to the end of the block, ride bikes to the library, go for family hiking trips, or just have a good old fashioned dance party, right there in the living room. You’ll be spending quality, active time with your children and showing them that you are active.
Photo Source: Mescon
