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March 23, 2008, 8:19 pm
Flag as Inappropriate djproscribe  

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How do you get little couch potatoes more active? 

I was lucky. My son was almost always really active, even though he hated organized sports.

What have you found to help most in getting kids off the sofa and outside running around?

 

March 24, 2008, 10:02 am
Flag as Inappropriate carybyrd says...

Here are some tips to promote physical activities for your little couch potatoe.

1.) Start Young

By incorporating good physical activity habits at an early age we are setting our kids up for lifelong healthy habits. This can have a ripple effect on future generations and contribute to better public health.

2.) Be a Good Example

If you want your child to be active you have to be active yourself. Instead of parking up close by the stores, try parking further away. Instead of using the elevator try taking the stairs. Don’t ever make exercise seem like a hassle.
Also try and find activities the whole family enjoys:

- Cycling
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Nature hikes
- Walking the dog

3.) Limit the Amount of Television

A great way to get your children active again is by limiting the amount of T.V. they watch; this also includes: playing video games and talking on the phone.

Did you know childhood obesity is directly related to watching television?

That’s right, if your little couch potato is watching more than 5 hours of TV a day is 8 times more likely to be obese than a child who watches less than 2 hours of TV a day.

4.) Promote activity...not exercise

There are many non-competitive sports for a child that isn’t interested in organized athletics. Just ask your child what they like to do and then find a creative activity for them.

Example: If your child likes to read, then walk or bike to the local bookstore. If your child likes to climb the take your child to the local park or gym climbing wall.
 

March 25, 2008, 2:11 am
Flag as Inappropriate Cassie says...

I have a son, that would prefer to sit and watch TV, then to run around. I usually get outside with him and involved in an activity. I do limit his TV viewing, but then he will get on the computer, and I think that is good for him too. I have tried putting him into sports, only for him to come up with reasons for not going. I am still working with him 

March 25, 2008, 4:51 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Missy says...

I don't have a problem getting my son to be active now, because he can't keep still for more than 10-20 minutes at a time, however, I would suggest getting a couch potato involved by getting involved yourself. 

March 25, 2008, 5:22 pm
Flag as Inappropriate mom2many says...

carybyrd has some great suggestions there.

In my house tv time is limited in amount and when it maybe used. I can't imagine my kids watching 5 HOURS of tv! That is crazy! I only allow 1 hour of total time per day, and it's videos I put on, the kids take turns picking, so not all of them watch what the others want to watch.  

March 26, 2008, 12:57 am
Flag as Inappropriate cathyinfo says...

I agree, crybyrd does have some great ideas.
I'm a swim instructor and teacher. Since classrooms have been cutting back on physical education time, I sneak in exercise by getting the kids moving to music. Dancing is fun so they don't even realize they're exercising.
Not all children enjoy swimming lesson either. I get them to participate by playing games. This encourages them to swim rather than making it like a dreadful chore  

March 26, 2008, 8:01 am
Flag as Inappropriate Tammy66 says...

I had a problem with my son in this area. He wanted to be more active but none of his friends were interested in doing active things. I make a point to get active with him at least a couple of times a week. We'll take a walk together or get outside and throw a frisbee or ball around. It also gives us some together time which can be hard to do with a teenager. 

March 28, 2008, 10:20 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Cassie says...

I have limited my son's TV viewing to his chosen one hour a day. Although, he would rather be watching TV, he will get on the computer instead.