Fight Childhood Obesity: Activities To Do With Your Child

In a generation where kids would rather play video games, stare at Youtube videos and watch Cartoon Network all day long, it can be hard to motivate your kiddos to stay active and healthy.

I’ve known so many parents who think putting their kid on a strict diet will help them slim down and all it does is make everyone miserable with little results.

I believe getting outside and staying active is one of the best ways to get them in shape. Here are some great activities to fight the inside droll.

Sports

Kind of a no-brainer, yeah? Not only organized sports works wonders, but getting outside and kicking the ball around with your kids is a great way to spend an evening.

So dust off the old football, break out your sneakers and spend an hour playing outside with your kids. You’ll well earn your dinner when you get back inside!

Hiking

Spending a day hiking with the family is a wonderful way to get out in nature and is a great workout.

Pack a yummy lunch, wear comfy clothes and don’t forget your camera! Your kids will love the challenge and all the beauty that nature has to offer.

Swimming

If it’s summertime, getting out to your local pool is incredibly fun for kids. And swimming burns off a ton of calories.

Shoot, even going to the local water park can be a great choice.

Swimming is so wonderful because kids don’t realize they are working hard until they come home and crash. It’s win-win situation.

Running

If your kids are a little bit older, taking them to the track with you is a great idea. I started taking my son when he was about 9 because he wanted to stay in shape between soccer seasons.

It was great bonding time for us and by the time he was 11, he was smoking past me. I usually treated us both with a smoothie or a Popsicle afterwards. Not many calories but just enough sweet for some motivation.

Yard Work

I can just hear the groans now. However, offering your kids a little money ($5 or so) for helping you out in the yard is an excellent way for you to get those weeds pulled and your kids to get some exercise and learn about working for some money.

My 13 year old helped me bark our whole place for a little spending money. It was a great few days we spent together and now our place looks beautiful.