If we want to prevent future health problems in our children, then we need to be encouraging fitness while they are young. If they start off life with exercise and healthy eating, they are more likely to continue it into their adult years.
So I am going to be writing a series on how you can incorporate family fitness into your home. And believe it or not, it starts with your toddlers.
Once children start walking, they have the opportunity to begin a healthy lifestyle. That means allowing your child to walk, not always confining them to a stroller.
If you are taking your child to the park, the zoo or anywhere else, allow your toddler the opportunity to walk as much as they can. It may require keeping an eye on them at all times and risking some bumps and bruises but it’s a great way to lay the foundation for walking.
There are so many ways you can keep toddlers active, both indoor and out. One of the most enjoyable indoor activities to do with a toddler is dance. Put on some fun, lively music and dance away. You could even incorporate some musical instruments.
The outdoors is the best place to have fun with your toddler and yet squeeze in some fitness. Create an obstacle course that you run through. Play a game of tag. Kick a ball around. Jump on a trampoline.
You also want to make sure that you are establishing healthy eating habits while your children are young. Once they get older, attempting to get them to try fruits and vegetables they didn’t have when they were younger is going to be difficult. So if you can get them started early on these healthy items, it won’t be such a struggle as they grow.
What ideas do you have for family fitness with your toddler?
Related Articles:
Start a Family Fitness Challenge
National Campaigns to Beat Childhood Obesity
Be a Healthy Example to Your Children
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