3 Reasons to Get Your Kids Moving Now
By Genevieve Cunningham
Getting kids to move on a daily basis is becoming a quite difficult task. Our modern world simply provides children with so many opportunities to sit still. They can watch TV. They can play video games. They can play games on the tablet or watch videos on a phone. Because these things are fun for children, getting them to go outside and move their bodies is a troublesome task for many parents. But it's also incredibly crucial for their long-term health and well-being. So what can you do? If your kids are living a sedentary life, take a look at these three reasons to get them moving now, followed by some tips to help you do so.
To Help Build Healthy Habits
The habits that we build as children often last a lifetime. Sure, people change their habits all the time, but it's not without effort. If you want to set your kids up for good health, it's best to teach them the habits right now. And movement is an excellent habit to keep for their entire lives. Kids who don't learn exercise as children are less likely to exercise as adults, and this can lead to a wide array of negative side effects. Your kids might not like it right now, but everyone will be glad for your efforts when they reach adulthood in good health.
To Help With Weight Management
We don't like to talk with our children about weight issues. We don't want to make them worry excessively or develop an eating disorder. But the truth is that obesity is a real and growing problem in our modern world. Teaching our children to move helps them manage their weight (now and in the future) without having to go too deeply into a tricky and uncomfortable topic right now.
To Help With Mental Health
Mental health is a serious issue for kids and adults alike. It seems as though more and more people are having trouble with mental issues of all kinds. But exercise can boost moods and help stabilize emotions. It's not a substitute for true mental health help when it's needed, but it's an excellent addition to keeping a quality physical and mental health life.
Tips for Movement
Do it together - Your children will do what you do, not what you say. If you want them to exercise, you have to do it, too.
Find an activity - Kids are more likely to move if they enjoy it. If they're not involved in an activity, find one! Do they like to dance? Run? Throw a ball? Help them find an activity that suits them and movement will be easy.
Limit screens - As the parent, you set the rules. If your kids won't move because of screens, take them away. Yes, they'll scream and throw fits and be mad, but they'll eventually get over it and drift outside for something to do.
It's definitely important to get your kids moving. It makes for a happier, healthier kid! Use these tips to get your kids moving, and help them reap the benefits of a healthy life now and in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Little Rock, Ark.