When it comes to kids, the best way to teach them is by example. You can tell them, try to explain to them, or better yet, try to reason with them (Ha!), but the best way to teach them is to show them. Show them by example. They will watch you, and it will just naturally rub off on them. If you are active, and choose good things in regards to your diet, then they will too. They will be like sponges, soaking it all up. Take advantage of those moments, and teach wisely. Sarah and I have always been active, so it was natural for them to start taking an interest in being active themselves. Here I am the morning after one of Grandmas Marathons, with my cheerleading girls giving me support. Of course, they were there for me during the race, and afterwards as well.
They were there for me cheering me on, so of course, as they grew up, and were active in sports, we were there for them as well. That is what families do. They support each other, cheer for each, care for each…they are there for each other! That is why it is important to take care of yourself. This way, you can spend more time with them, teach them…just be with them. We started early with the kids on activities.
We got a Burley to take behind our bikes, and to go walking with when the twins were born. This way we could get out and do things, and they got to come along. We all got to spend time together. We had this Burley for years, until they were all finally old enough to walk on their own, or ride bikes on their own. We got them involved with lots of activities: running, swimming, riding bikes, bowling. Anything to keep us moving. Here we are doing all these activities.
We were a force to be reckoned with as they were growing up. It was not hard to see them doing their activities. The T-shirts they would have for their activities covered their backs from one shoulder to the other!
You can make it work. You can spend time with each other. You can be active together. You can be a family together. Start when your kids are young, and continue as they grow older, and then, I hope, will do other events/activities as we grow older too. The running together already started this past January in Disney with my twins running their first half marathon with us. Those are memories I will cherish forever. By watching them take an interest in their own health as they grew up meant a lot to us. They learned by watching us. You should all do the same. Lead by example. The health benefits are too numerous to count. But, the most important part of all of this is that you get to make lifetime memories that you, and your kids, get to make for a lifetime. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3833
