I recently read online at healthlychildren.org that the average child or teenager spends more than 7 hours per day using electronic devices like TVs, computers, iPads, phones, etc. To me that is astonishing to read when most of the year a child is in school from 8:00am to 3:00pm which leaves a lot of that time in the off school hours and weekends. Even more staggering to me that same site found that less than 50% of these kids and teens spend time in sports practice, games and physical education classes that involve moving enough to be considered physical activity. Along with 1 out of 3 of them is either overweight or obese and if you have an overweight teen they have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults!
We have a duty as parents to help stop this epidemic and encourage our kids to be physically active. We need to lead by example by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, while encouraging them to do the same. We are their role models. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and being physically active are more likely to do so themselves. We as parents can take simple steps to get our kids moving by simply playing with our child, help them learn a new game or sport. It’s an easy way to solidify healthy habits and bond with your kids. Monitor electronic devices and make sure to do the same on your end. If you are going to ask your kid to get off the iPad and get moving then you better be off your electronic device, not sitting around eating chips and drinking soda. We must lead by example. Plan ahead and make time for exercise. Children can be so overscheduled these days with school work and other non-sport activities like music lessons that they simply do not have the time to exercise. As a parent, we need to make sure we are scheduling time in their weekly schedules for physical activity. We cannot assume that they are getting what they need while in school in PE class anymore.
It’s important to always consult your child’s doctor before starting any rigorous program for yourself or your child, but a doctor can also be your ally in getting your kids moving since they can be looked upon as an authority figure and can suggest sport or activities to your child they might enjoy. When your child is ready to start a new sport or new physical activity make sure to also remind them to listen to their body. Exercise and physical activity at their ages should not hurt. Make sure to ask your child regularly how their body feels.
Lastly, exercise and physical activity is a key component of your child’s overall health but having a foundation of a balanced diet is also important. One of the most important things a parent can do is encourage healthy habits in their children early on in life but also be able to demonstrate and participate alongside them. At Ish Fitness we train all ages and strongly believe that staying in shape at any age is important. That is why we work with children to adults, all shapes, sizes and abilities. If you want to lead by example and need to get in shape as a parent then give us a call. If you are in shape but want to set your child up for success we are here for that too. We can give your child the foundation that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Ish Fitness
8610 Brentwood Dr.
La Vista, NE. 68128
# 402-208-7401
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