HEAD OFF COUCH POTATO SYNDROME

HEAD OFF COUCH POTATO SYNDROME: 5 SUMMER FITNESS SOLUTIONS FOR KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS

A recent study looking at the growth patterns of 5,380 kindergarteners and first-graders revealed that kids gain weight twice as rapidly during the summer months than during the school year. In addition to keeping tabs on the amount of junk food in the home and encouraging kids to plan snacks and meals (as opposed to "grazing" all day long), a more active lifestyle will help kids to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Here are some tips from Ann Douglas, author of Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler and The Mother of All Parenting Books, on encouraging kids to be physically active during the summer months.

1.Budget “screen time.” “Screen time” includes TV time, computer time, and video games—any form of entertainment that involves staring at a screen.

2.Give your kids the chance to play recreation director. Encourage each of your kids to pick at least one new sport or activity they’d like to try this summer, and then try to figure out a way to fit that sport or activity into your family’s summer plans.

3.Get other families on your block on board. Join forces with other parents and organize a joint activity so you can motivate everyone's kids to get moving together. It's hard to encourage your own kids to be active if there's no one for them to play with.

4.Be prepared to walk the talk as a parent. Kids pay attention to what you do more than what you see. If all they see is you sitting on the couch, they won't be as motivated to get off the couch themselves.

5.Reserve the hour after dinner for active play. Leave the dishes in the sink and use that hour after dinner to enjoy some active outdoor playtime with your kids. Go for a bike ride as a family. Play a game of “eye spy” as you walk around the block.