Many parents try their best to keep their little children active, other than just playing. But sometimes a little change of pace is in order, for everybody. To maximize a healthy living strategy I like to have a few alternative kid activities on hand for those days when it just isn’t great weather to be out in. It has always worked for me, especially when they are pushing each other’s buttons, to start a fitness activity and make it a game. Kids love to play “Simon Says”. Let them take turns being “Simon”. I usually go first to set some examples that are suitable for all ages and before you know it they are having a blast without even realizing they are doing exercises. Before they are 2 they can stretch up high and slither like a snake. Learning to jump is always a challenge for children that age but they get the hang of it before you know it.
Another fit kid activity option is to buy a couple of different kids’ fitness or dance videos or DVD’s. Just do 5 or 10 minutes at a time and then they can go back to whatever activity they were doing. Sneak in these 5 or 10 minute healthy activity periods throughout the day.
The next time they get a little out of sorts on one of these indoor days try a healthy food activity. You can cut up a variety of fruits and veggies and you can all try to make faces on your plates.
And last but most important I think, do all this with them. Give some examples to help them get started. They’ll think they have a fabulous parent who has fun with them, and they do, but you are really setting habits to have fit and healthy kids.
Don’t let your children be part of the childhood obesity epidemic in any way.
Fit Kids and Food 