Healthy Habits: The Ripple Effect of Active Parenting
Get our kids off their screens. How to get your kids more active
As parents, we all want the best for our children—health, happiness, and a bright future. Did you know that your choices as an active parent today can significantly impact your children’s well-being tomorrow? It’s true! Engaging in an active lifestyle not only benefits you but also sets a powerful example for your kids. Your children’s physical and mental health can depend on how active you are as a parent.
The Ripple Effect of Active Parenting
As parents, we hold incredible power to influence our children’s lives, starting with the choices we make for ourselves. When you prioritize physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, you create a ripple effect that extends to your children. They observe and absorb your habits, values, and attitudes towards fitness and well-being. By being an active role model, you inspire them to follow in your footsteps, creating a lifelong commitment to health and vitality.
The Gift of Physical Health
Active parents gift their children something priceless: the foundation for a healthy body. Regular physical activity not only improves cardiovascular health and strength, but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Children who grow up in active households are more likely to develop a love for movement, sports, outdoor activities, and adventures. This gift of physical health not only enhances their quality of life but also equips them with the tools to face life’s challenges with resilience.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Beyond physical health, active parenting has a profound impact on children’s mental and emotional well-being. Exercise is a natural mood booster, releasing endorphins that promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress and anxiety. When children see their parents using physical activity as a tool to cope with daily stresses, they learn to do the same. As a result, they are better equipped to manage emotions and mental health throughout their lives. I have been a stickler since the kids started school that no matter the weather or season we walk to and from school every day. We are lucky to live in an area where we can do that, and I realize not everyone is so fortunate. Options are to plan post dinner family walks on any days of the weeks when kids’ structured activities don’t conflict, making it a goal to always ensure at least 2x/wk. you go for a post dinner walk.
Quality Family Time and Bonding
Incorporating physical activity into family routines opens opportunities for quality time and bonding. Whether it’s going for a family hike, playing sports together, or dancing in the living room, these shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family connections. Active family time promotes open communication, fosters a sense of togetherness, and allows for moments of joy and laughter that bring you closer as a family.
Making Active Choices Together
Active parenting doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with simple choices made together as a family. Here are some practical tips to foster an active lifestyle for you and your children:
1. Explore Together: Discover fun activities that the whole family enjoys. It could be swimming, biking, hiking, or even family-friendly dance workouts. If you’re joining us for the Grouse Grind on July 28th, depending on their ages, consider taking your kids along with you on your training hikes.
2. Limit Screen Time: Encourage outdoor play and limit screen time to create space for physical activity and family interaction. It’s hard at first, and I know I’ll get pushback, but I make it a policy on “school days (Monday through Friday)” EVEN through the summer that there is no screen time until after dinner unless it is related to doing a “how to draw video” or “how to play song X on the piano” etc. Even “educationally” focused screen time is limited and are only allowed to do this for 1 absolute max 2 hrs on any given day.
3. Create Active Rituals: Incorporate active rituals into your family routine. For example, take a post-dinner walk or have a weekend family sports day or hang out at a local park/beach. We do a post dinner 10 min dog walk any days of the weeks when kids’ structured activities don’t conflict, and while they aren’t forced to join us, 75% of the time our kids are happy to tag along. You don’t have to have a dog to prioritize a post dinner walk, and if you don’t have a furry friend to motivate you into the routine, know that a post dinner walk has amazing positive benefits on your blood sugar control regardless of your age.
4. Be Supportive: Encourage your children to explore various activities and support their interests. If your child loves animals, and you don’t already have a dog, consider volunteer dog walking at a local SPCA. Celebrate their achievements and efforts along the way no matter what they show interest in.
Active parents, more active kids—the choices you make today have a profound impact on your children’s physical and mental well-being. By prioritizing an active lifestyle, you gift your children with the tools to lead healthier, happier lives.
If you’re not sure where to get started with leading a healthy lifestyle, schedule a free consult with one of our team at 604.291.9941 or info@pitraining.ca to learn how to incorporate health and fitness into your life! BETTER YET, sign your son or daughter up for our summer Youth ADP (Athletic Development Program), and consider signing yourself up into our regular Private or Small Group Training at the same time!