A kid’s fitness is so important now days. Getting a kid into fitness and off of the computer or away from the TV can seem impossible. A couple of days ago, I actually heard on the radio that only one in five kids play outside anymore. I’m not sure how valid this is but it’s probably not too far from the truth. The start of the school year is a good time to decide on your kid’s fitness plan for the rest of the year. Many programs follow the timing of the school year, and they start in September and end in December or in June.
It’s said that a kid’s fitness actually decreases the chances of harmful behavior. Also it is more probable that a kid who does activities while young will continue being active when they are older. Some specialists have even gone as far as to say, that girls who are not into fitness by the time they are ten will probably not be athletic at the age of twenty-four. The incidence of morbid obesity, heart disease, and diabetes is on the rise. Our health care dollar can only go so fa r. Right now are healthcare system is stretched to the limit, there are long waiting times because there is not enough space or healthcare professionals available to meet the publics needs. And still the population of “ill” people is on the rise. Not to mention the increase in the number of elderly who require care, all those baby boomers are older and may need assistance at home or in a long-term care facility. These are probably the most important reasons why we should get our kids into a fitness plan early.
You will need to do some research on the kid’s fitness programs that are available in your area. When, what day, how long and how much are the programs? It is also good to consider the competitiveness of a certain sport. For example: Hockey is very competitive and requires a lot of practice time as well as game time. Most coaches are only interested in their sport and anything else in your kid’s fitness plan is mute. These types of sports will require a lot more time and dedication from the kids and the parents. Make sure you are both OK with this. There is nothing worse than paying a fist full of cash for your kid to play a sport and then have to drag them, kicking and screaming, to each and every practice.
I have, unfortunately, witnessed times where a child doesn’t enjoy a certain activity but mom or dad “feels” they should do it. This can be for many reasons most of the time it is a parent who wants to live through their child, or the parents might hope that their child will excel to the point of becoming a professional. The problem with this is simple. It’s not the parent’s life, it the kids. If a child is forced into doing an activity, when they are young, the likelihood of them having a positive feeling about exercise when they are older is pretty slim.
Exercise has many advantages. Kid’s fitness levels can actually improve their memory, their self-esteem, their concentration and their ability to focus. They will also gain life skills such as setting goals and meeting them, working with others as a team, developing leadership skills, and improving their marks in school. These kids are also able to deal with stress better. I believe that kids who are into fitness are less likely to get into drugs and negative lifestyles. They are associating with other kids who are into fitness, they want to stay healthy so they can continue to do well at their chosen sport. And they really don’t have the time or opportunity to stray.
They are more aware of their physical and mental health. And they are also aware of the benefits of eating properly, getting enough rest and just keeping their bodies healthy. If their body is healthy they can excel at their sport. If a kid’s fitness program involves a team sport they become very committed to their team mates and they don’t want to let their team down. This is also an admirable quality to have and to take into the rest of their life.
Some kid’s fitness plans don’t include team sports, the child might not be interested or enjoy these sports. That’s OK because parents can still get their kids involved in fitness. Your kid’s fitness can also become more of a family fun time. Going for hikes, doing physical chores around the house, swimming, jogging, gymnastics or biking can be done by the child alone, or with the entire family. Not to mention just fun times with our kid’s fitness, let your guard down once in a while, and actually play with your kids. Go to the park, kick a ball around, walk the dog together. Crank up the tunes and get funky, that means dance by the way, you will end up improving your fitness level as well as your kid’s fitness level. This is just a win- win situation. As well, you will bond with your kids and create some great memories. Believe me, it is well worth it.
Leanne’s new site [http://www.talkaboutkidsissues.com] is a blog where parents can connect to other parents. Leanne is a registered nurse of 22, years a parent of 19, years a daughter, recently divorced and a story teller and a lover of animals. Telling real life stories about life’s ups and downs as well as spreading a bit of knowledge is her passion. Her site allows parents to vent, brag, complain,give and get some great advice that others can use.