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 We need to begin to look at fitness as a way of life rather than something that can be won and displayed like a medal or trophy. We need to infuse fitness into the family values that we teach our children, so that it becomes part of who we are rather than something we do or need to get. Just like we all want to raise our children to be kind, considerate and respectful adults, we also want them to be of fit mind and body. Fitness teaches us the value of hard work, determination, goal-setting, and the power of good choices – how do those sound for good values? All kids today can benefit from the lifelong discipline that being fit can teach – and it will become as much a part of them as chewing with their mouth closed and saying “please” and “thank you.” It’s all starts with YOU! As parents in a fast-paced world, with more and more “stuff” competing for our child’s attention, we must realize that we need to be the heroes our kids seek in the world. We need to model healthy behavior so they become habits and provide an environment and opportunities for an active way of life. The best way to express your healthy values as a parent is to make them evident in your daily interactions with your family. Like any other family value, healthy living is best taught and learned by example. When your kids see you making healthy choices and approaching exercise with a positive attitude, they will start to adopt it as their norm. So let them see you scheduling your Pilates class on the family calendar or calling a sitter so you can take your run. And when they get embarrassed by your spandex in the carpool line, remember: They will know that your health is not something you’re willing to sacrifice and that actions speak louder than words. If it’s important to you, it will be important to them. Fitness is a family affair. Just as we share the rituals of family dinners, game nights and pancakes on Saturday morning, exercising together should be just as uniting. But we’re all so busy – how on earth can we fit one more thing into our day? Most of us feel we are already doing our part keeping our kids active between shuttling them to soccer and karate. But it’s important that fitness is also done as a family. Whether we realize it or not, our kids watch how we spend our time; that’s how they can tell what’s important to us. So take a look at the calendar and find a time that works for everyone – maybe it’s just after dinner or when everyone finishes homework. Having a set exercise time helps your child develop solid habits. Exercise time is quality time, so make it fun and include the whole family. While Mom may still like to take part in her daily yoga classes and Dad loves his weekly basketball game, be sure to find activities that everyone will enjoy. Think outside the court. Fitness time as a family doesn’t need to be Dad with a whistle leading jumping jacks, an organized routine of calisthenics or the whole family running the high school track. The goal is to get everyone moving for at least 30 minutes each day. Instead, try naming one family member as “Team Captain” for the week and let that person choose the activities. Games like Simon Says, Duck-Duck-Goose and obstacle courses are perfect for younger kids. Older children will love Capture the Flag or Kick the Can. Walking is a good exercise for the family. And on the weekends, make things more interesting: Schedule regular walks around the city or hikes in local parks. You may even consider taking the lead with your neighbors or friends and starting a family fit challenge. Double-dog-dare another family to become a healthy and fit family! Keep track of activities, set goals and weekend challenges, and then be sure to celebrate each other’s victories together. Fitness can be a family value. Sounds easy enough, right? There’s no doubt about it: Instilling healthy habits in your family is no easy feat. On the contrary, there will be times you’ll feel at odds with the rest of the world, where fast food and Playstations are as ubiquitous as air. Still, studies show that children who grow up participating in fitness activities continue to stay active throughout their lives. So prepare to go against the tide – it will be worth it! Keep in mind, it doesn’t take extreme measures – just a healthy balance of moderation and determination with a little sprinkle of love. Need more Smart Mom solutions? Go to smartmomsolutions.com or listen to Mom Talk Radio: momtalkradio.com •> SMART MOM GOES GREEN: DARE TO COMPARE Many of us are experts when it comes to comparison shopping. We know which stores have the best price on organic milk, and where to get leggings for our daughters and shin guards for the upcoming soccer season. But how many of us have stopped to take note of who offers the greenest products around? Now you can! Would-be green shoppers can get some help from GoodGuide (goodguide.com), which comes with a barcode-scanning iPhone app to help decide about food, toys, personal care products and household items. So, when you head out for back-to-school supplies or to replace all of your staples that dwindled over the summer, make sure your hard-earned greenbacks go for the greenest choice possible. For all you fashionistas, stay tuned for a soon-to-be-released Eco Index that makes comparison shopping easier when buying shoes and clothing. The index will be implemented by a number of major retailers so that consumers can simply look at the tag and measure the environmental impact of their apparel. •> SOLUTION OF THE MONTH: GO FOR THE GOAL! A new back-to-school season is upon us, and fall is a great time for kids to set new goals. Having goals gives everyone a sense of accomplishment, which fuels the desire to keep learning and moving forward. So this month, take each child out separately for an ice cream date. Talk about their fears and concerns, as well as their hopes and what they’re most excited about. This is a great chance for you to share your experiences as a child and any life lessons you want them to remember. Then grab a notebook and some fun colored markers and have each child write down his goals for the school year. Then let him post these goals in a special place of his own choosing. Check in with your kids throughout the year and see how they are doing. Do some goals need to be modified? Perhaps you can help make a better plan to help them achieve success. |
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