Some of the best childhood memories come from spending time as a family— camping in the backyard, playing board games, hiking the trails, bike riding, and the list is limitless. Of course, as parents you’d want to make sure you kids grow up fit and healthy. But how can you do that while balancing your job, being a spouse, a good parent, and all the responsibilities that seem to weigh you down. However, no one said that it was impossible! Here are some tips:
- Plan a family event each week. It can be simple as taking a walk to the park, swimming at the neighborhood pool, hiking the trails, or go on a picnic and run along the green fields. As long as your kids are having fun and being active, you’ll find yourself having fun too!
- Make chores fun. Nothing is better than a friendly family competition to get the chores done! Turn on some music, dance your way around the house with your kids while tidying up the house and getting a little silly.
- Cook with your kids. Spending time in the kitchen with your kids can be a fun activity and the end result is a healthy and delicious meal. Not only are you exposing them to the healthy alternatives, they are more prone to eat what they are cooking.
- Support and encourage your kids to try out sports. While being on a sports team may seem intimidating or even exhilarating to some, joining any active team will be beneficial to your kids. Not only do they get to be physically active with their peers, they also grow to learn teamwork, camaraderie, and hard work.
- Build a garden in your back yard. If you are a fan of gardening, what better way to get your kids to be active than introducing them to gardening. Gardening with children at home, school, or any program engages them in active learning and teaches them responsibility, confidence, and the skills of observation. Similarly, again, they are more prone to eat what they are growing.
Adrien Paczosa is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas and the surrounding counties.
She is the owner and founder of I Live Well Nutrition her Dietitian practice which started in 2007 and serves clients in the Austin, Texas area in two locations. Fearless Practitioners, the division of her business that offers training to dietitians and wellness professionals.