If you think it’s time to start exercising more, try getting the whole family involved. Making exercise a family activity can strengthen ties and help keep everyone healthy.
Get Your Game On
Exercising and playing games are a great way to spend family time. You can have a small basketball game without too many people. Games like Monkey-in-the-Middle and tag are also simple ways to get exercise that don’t involve many rules. Even very young or infirm family members can take part in family sports — make them judges or referees. In any game, be prepared to bend rules so that everyone can be included. Keep it fun — family games should be about family, not about winning.
Sportsmanship
Sports can be a lot like life, and playing with your children is a good way to teach them values. Everyone wins and loses at different times in life, so teach your children to be nice when they win and to accept the times they lose.
It’s also a chance to be a role model for your children to copy. Let them see your
values when it comes to teamwork and sportsmanship. Remember, kids tend to do what they see adults do, so give them a good example to follow. Always praise them when you see them doing something right, whether it’s hitting a home run or “going easy” on a younger brother or sister so that everyone has fun. Sports can help family members learn how to talk to one another and build the trust that every family needs.
To Each Her Own
You can also find family activities where everyone can do their own thing. If there is a park near your home, think about taking the family there for a few hours. Bring balls, Frisbees and other sports equipment people might like to use. Once there, everyone can decide what they want to do. You can run or walk around the park while the kids play in the center. You could even bring bikes for the kids to ride, and let them do what they want while you take a few laps or throw the Frisbee around.
Schedule Family Fitness Every Day
One of the best ways to make sure you and your family get exercise regularly is to schedule family playtime at the same time every evening. If everyone looks forward to the family game time, it will be more likely to happen. It can be as simple as a short game of tag when everyone gets home, or between school and after-school activities. Or, if walking or biking is more your style, take a few trips around the neighborhood with the whole family. In addition to getting exercise, family time forms the kinds of memories people keep their whole lives.
Including the whole family in an exercise routine is a fun way to build values and help everyone stay healthy. When children play games with their families, it makes them feel better about themselves and their relationships. When parents play games with their kids, they have a direct effect on their children's values.
