The importance of Fitness
Today, activities keep children inactive - playing
video and computer games and watching television
- predominate. Many children view physical activity
as a formal scheduled activity (e.g. gym class)
rather than a natural part of life. When a class
is not on schedule, they prefer to stay rooted indoors
watching TV. You can help your toddler by helping
them enjoy exercise now; this will increase the
odds of exercising for a lifetime.
Unplug the TV:
Don't let cartoons or video games glue your child
to the sofa during their formative years. Using
the TV as a time filler or mood-distracter sabotages
your chances of engaging your child in activities
like reading, play or building their physical health.
TV abuse is found to be the reason for decline in
physical fitness among children because it discourages
activity and encourages snacking.
Fit in Fitness:
Ensure your child spends physical time outside each
day at the playground, in your garden or park or
anywhere where running, climbing and jumping are
safe. Provide balls, tricycle or other riding toys
as a variation.
Go with your toddler:
If your toddler is hesitant at first, get physical
together. Alternate sedentary pastimes (reading,
doing puzzles, and drawing) with active ones.
Set an example:
Your child's future fitness depends on how you pass
your free time rather than on how many classes of
gym or dancing you sign her up for (although this
is good in itself); active parents produce active
kids. Studies show that when both parents exercise
their child is 6 times more likely to be active.
Walk wherever you can: to the library, supermarket
rather than using the car. Avoid complaining when
you have to use the stairs or walk a long distance.
Take your toddler for your morning walks. Go out
as a family for some outing that involves some activity
such as swimming instead of sitting in front of
the TV.
Teach respect for
the body:
When children learn to respect their body, they
learn to take care of them. Demonstrate that by
the eating habits you practice at home, by the way
you avoid cigarettes, drugs and the abuse of alcohol
and by seeing the family exercise or enjoy some
physical activity together. Talk about the importance
of taking care of our bodies; if we neglect our
bodies, our bodies won't take care of us.
