The American Academy of Pediatrics says pediatricians should act as "activity police" when it comes to talking to parents about the amount of time their children spend exercising. If parents get children involved an interested in exercise and activity at an early age, children are more likely to carry it with them throughout life. Emphasizing the importance of staying active will help reduce children's chances of becoming overweight.
Just like with anything else, it starts with parents example. It seems that the media is always doing a story about "overweight America," and how it is now affecting our children. So parents, lead by example. It doesn't have to be jogging around the block, it can be as simple as having the kids help you outside in the garden, or take the dog for a walk. Any parks or activities nearby? How about walking or riding bikes there instead of driving?
We have a restaurant at the corner of our street and we walked there this weekend instead of driving. Our son thought that was the coolest thing, and he asked if we could walk more places. I think with our busy schedules we here exercise and automatically think more work, who has time? Try and incorporate more activity into things you already do. Anyone have some suggestions?
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