Active Kids Are Happier, Healthier, and Perform Better

Posted by Jaime L. Hebert Aug 29, 2006

Exercise is often seen as a negative word. People hear it and immediately conjure up a sweaty person laboring on a stairmaster, or jogging red-faced along the road. We think of exercise as work, and unpleasant work at that. But it doesn't have to be. And if we want to help break the cycle in our country of raising media savvy children who engage in very little activity, we need to start changing the way we view exercise. The truth is, children pick up on our attitudes and priorities. And if we don't make exercise a priority, they won't either.

I'm not saying it's easy. Far from it. In fact, I have firsthand experience with how hard it is to change people's views on exercise and eating healthy, both personally and professionally. Because, face it, both topics are intensely personal. They relate directly to how we view ourselves and feel about ourselves and our bodies. What could be more personal than that? In my former life (before I had my daughter) I worked an office job. I actually loved this job, though. I worked for a non-profit organization that promoted nutrition education and physical activity to Maine schools. We offered information, free materials and cash to teachers who did nutrition education. And yet, we often met with major resistance from schools, teachers, principals, and parents. "We don't have time for that," was a popular excuse. Or, "We need to focus on the 'important' stuff that the students will be tested on." Like children's health wasn't important?

So, if it was hard to change educator's minds (when we were offering free stuff and cash!), how hard must it be to convince parents? Parents who are busy, overwhelmed, overworked and have their own food/exercise issues to deal with. I hope the first thought won't be "But this is so hard!" (Because it is.) All change can begin slowly, with baby steps. And it's just as important as helping with math homework, going to the doctor, or discipline. It can mean the difference between a healthy, happy child who will become an active adult who doesn't have to worry as much about cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, or diabetes.

So check out the article about active kids at home, and try some of the suggestions. You don't have to overhaul your family's life. Just make one small change. And keep an eye out for Part two in this series, about active kids at school. Happy exercising!