Once you have your children's lunch routine established, it's time to focus on their after-school activities. With access to computers, video games and television, it's easy to understand why childhood obesity has become an epidemic.
Unlike most adults, children don't associate foods with calories or exercise intentionally to burn excess calories. To combat this, it very important to find activities that are fun, yet keep them moving.
Establish play-dates. Meet with neighboring families and the parents of your child's friends to see when their kids are available to play after school or on weekends. Set weekly or bi-weekly times for the children to interact, which will help keep them active and allow for peer-to-peer social engagement.
Be active during family time. Visit your local health club to play tennis, swim or play racquetball. Go for a walk around the neighborhood or visit a local park. Illustrating your dedication to health and wellness to your child can help encourage them to be active, even in your absence.
Support your child's interests. If your son or daughter has an avid love for the arts, sports or dance, support them by finding an outlet for their interests. Look for art classes, league sports or dance studios in your area. By expanding their interests in athletics or the arts, your children will spend less time in front of the television or playing video games.
Research after-school programs. Some schools offer after-school programs for children, allowing them to stay on campus after school ends. These programs can provide students access to the school's playground or gym, while some offer onsite tutors to assist with homework. With homework completed immediately following school, your children will have time to join you for a walk or another family activity after dinner.
For additional ideas, don't miss our earlier post about keeping kids active!
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