While there are many parenting styles out there, every parent can agree on one thing, they want what’s best for their kids. As you’re probably already aware, your child is watching everything you do and is learning about life through the way you live yours. When children replicate your behavior they are practicing deferred imitation which is an innate learning method programmed into their young brains. Modeling a healthy lifestyle is one thing parents can do to set their kids up to thrive in life.
It is well documented that living a healthy, active lifestyle has a strong correlation with quality of life. The problem is the statistics surrounding our youth today do not equate to a high future quality of life. According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970’s. In 2015-2016, nearly 1 in 5 kids ages 6-19 were obese. Children with obesity have a higher risk of developing other diseases and chronic health conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. The more active children are the less likely they are to develop the above issues.
So what can you do as a parent to keep your child active? Exercise! A direct correlation has been found between activity levels of parents and their children. A study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics found that the activity level of mothers had a direct impact on the activity level of their 4-year-old children. This is great news! Although in the study only 53% of the mothers were reaching the recommended amount of daily activity (30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day) this study proves that mothers (or any guardian) can be the health ambassador for their family.
While exercise may seem like another thing to add to a very busy schedule, based on these studies it may be one of the most important. Making physical activity a priority in your life can have a great impact on your child’s future health and success. Exercising with your child is great way to model healthy behavior while also having fun!
Not sure where to start? Try one of the following workouts:
- Exercising with babies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni9MxZpCHbk
- Exercising with children – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmWPRv6g9aI
- Home family workout – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjSRsMdiU9E
Resources:
Childhood Obesity Facts. (2018). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
Urban Child Institute. (2014). http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/editorials/modeling-health-habits-benefits-the-whole-family
Firger, Jessica. (2014). When Moms Exercise so Do Kids. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-moms-exercise-so-do-kids/
About the Author: Deanna Lyons, B.S.
Deanna received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Adapted Physical Activity from San Jose State University. She is also a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Deanna manages all elements of BaySport’s Biometric Screening events, promotes and coordinates the Health Coaching programs, and provides ongoing support for BaySport Wellness services. During her free time, Deanna enjoys spending time outside. Hiking, swimming, and camping are some of her favorite outdoor activities.
