|
Quick tips for getting active
Parents of infants, preschoolers and children
Find ways to be active together and encourage the development of fundamental movement skills.
Support and encourage active play
- Around the house, in the yard, or with neighbourhood kids.
- Playing traditional games of hide-and-go-seek or tag.
Schedule family physical activity time
- Dance, go for a walk or swim, play at your neighbourhood park, or learn a new activity together (I recommend hula-hooping - it's a great workout and lots of fun!).
- Set up an obstacle course that every one can use (including adults).
Turn story time into active story time
- Act out the story.
- Have everyone take turns to mimic the actions of the characters in the books (especially good with animal books).
Participate in parent and child programming, for children of all ages
- As parents of young children, the best way to find time for your own physical activity is to work it into your play time with your children - be creative and have fun with it! (Check with your local recreation centre to find out what's offered in your neighbourhood).
Parents of teens
Be an active-living role model by being physically active yourself and supporting your teen to find ways that he/she can be active.
Support and encourage your teen to find active ways to transport themselves to school
- Walk, cycle, skateboard, rollerblade, etc.
Support continued participation in activities or sports they participate in
- This may include financially, transportation to and from activities,
or just general support and encouragement to find success in their participation.
Encourage your teen to try new structured or unstructured physical activities
- If your teen is up for it, there are parent-teen programs available (check with your local recreation centre).
- As parents of teenage children, you may feel like you have less control over what they do with their time, but you definitely still have a strong influence as a role model!
Parents of adult children
Be an active-living role model by being active together, or support them to be active by watching their children for them.
Plan multi-generation active outings for your family
Start a new "active" family tradition
- Similar to Sunday family dinners, have Sunday activity days.
- Weekly walks together.
Register to take a physical activity program together
- Yoga, fitness classes, boot camp, Zumba dance.
Set goals together
- Train to do a run or cycle together.
- As parents of adult children your physical activities will tend to revolve around social time you spend together.
For more information and ideas, visit:
Winnipeg in motion
Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card
City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide
Back to "60 Minutes"
 |
About Wave
Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.
Read the September / October 2010 issue of Wave |
|
|
