We all want to be healthy, and we all want the best for our children. There are five simple tasks that you could do to encourage your children to be healthier, involving more exercise and a better diet. Add a new one to your routine each week and within five weeks the whole family will be on their way to healthy living.
Exercise Together
Doing more exercise is beneficial, but you need to make it a habit. Enjoying something helps to create that habit and you can do that by exercising together. Find something that you all enjoy or a group sport. This doesn’t have to be conventional exercises. A game of tag in the backyard or creating a fun obstacle course will help.
Try Something New
There are plenty of sports and exercises that you haven’t tried so do something new. This could be something your children enjoy or you may want to get your children to try something different that you enjoy. You never know – you might enjoy it and find something that you want to do on a regular basis. Consider kayaking, rock climbing or self-defense classes as new sports and activities to try.
Get Up and Move More
You don’t need to do exercise to encourage family fitness. Just moving around more will get the blood pumping and look after the body. It could be as simple as dancing around on the spot, taking the stairs at work or walking to the grocery store and back. Check out my 10 daily moves to become fitter for more ideas.
Teach Children Healthy Habits
Your children will pick up your habits so make sure they are healthy ones to lead by example; and teach your children about why these are healthy habits. This includes teaching them about exercise and how it is beneficial – and fun ways to do exercise – and making the best nutritional choices. Avoid pushing them into the healthy direction; encouraging it without forcing them will mean they are more likely to make the best choices later in life.
Eat Meals Together
Nutrition is just as important as exercise, along with social interaction. Eating meals together will encourage your children to talk about their day and share any problems they have. They are less likely to bottle their problems or issues up, which could lead to depression, anxiety, anorexia etc. You can also tell them about your day and ask for their advice to make them feel like part of the conversation instead of only venting about work.
Just five simple tips and you will be on your way to a healthier family. The main focus is fitness as exercise helps in many ways, including improving the mood and helping with sleep. Teach your children about the healthy habits and lead by example so the whole family can be healthier and can enjoy life.
