Raising an Active Family

Raising an active family
Sources: Carole Gnatuk, senior extension specialist for child development
Debbie Murray, associate director for Health Education through Extension Leadership

Most parents know children are like sponges, constantly absorbing our words and actions. By practicing healthy habits with your children, you can set them on the right course for a healthy life. One way to do this is to encourage family physical activity.

It’s not hard to be active. Simple activities, such as playing in the backyard or walking, can get family members moving and enjoying time together. Set aside a daily time to play with your children. An hour is ideal, but any amount of time you can devote would be beneficial to you and your children. Be sure to pick an activity that all or most family members enjoy doing. Change activities daily so everyone can do something they like. Creating your own ideas or games is part of the fun and will help create life-long memories.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate physical activities into family time:
· Mark off a hopscotch court on the driveway or sidewalk. Teach your children how to play and then do it together.
· Visit a farmers market. Walk and talk about the foods. Buy something to prepare at home with the children.
· Keep low-cost toys around the house that you can pick up at a moment’s notice. Flying discs, jump ropes and balls of various sizes give many choices of games to play.
· Make a kite out of items you have and go fly it. Figure out together how to make it work better if necessary.
· Plan a “wash day,” where you wash wagons, bikes, outdoor toys – and even the family dog.
· Turn up the music and dance.
· Work in a garden. Teach children how to start and take care of flowers or vegetables.
· Set limits on the amount and quality of television and video games you permit family members to watch.
· Teach your children activities you enjoyed as a child.

These are only a few ideas out of thousands of possibilities that can make your family more active and closer. Many physical activities provide an opportunity for family members to discuss their days and get to know each other better.

For more information on physical activity ideas and other healthy lifestyle choices, contact UK Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.