Kick-Off
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Hand a ball to my daughter Morgan and she would probably draw a face on it instead of using it for kickball. Athletics have never been her thing. At age two she preferred painting to the playground, at four she opted to string beads rather than take swimming lessons, and at five she cried through her entire three-week-long T-ball career. I've come to realize that while Morgan may never break any athletic records, it doesn't mean she should throw in the towel on staying fit and healthy.
Active children aren't made on the playing field, but rather, at home. Even children who aren't programmed to be athletes won't turn down a chance to play with Mom and Dad. "It's a parent's job to see what interests a child has and then build on them," says Bill Parisi, founder and owner of the Fair Lawn, N.J.-based, Parisi Speed School/Sports Clubs USA, which features athletic programs geared toward kids. "Play with your child and you'll find out if he enjoys running, is into climbing or has great balance. All these things can easily be worked into games that will get him moving."
Even the youngest of tots can benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day. The American Heart Association recommends that kids as young as 2 get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily-plus an additional 30 minutes of vigorous activity 3 to 4 days a week.
So how do you make it interesting, especially as Old Man Winter threatens to keep you indoors? Len Saunders, M.A., author of The Project ACES Handbook, 15 Great Projects for Making Fitness Fun! shares some easy tips:
Commercial-Size
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," says Saunders, who keeps kids moving while they're watching television. During each commercial break, have your child try to reach a goal (4 toe touches, 5 jumping jacks or 6 hops). Add variations when the original goal becomes too easy.
Pump Up Your Tasks
Each day provides ample opportunities to get muscles moving: Leave the stroller at home and do your own power mall walk; park at the far end of the grocery store lot and count how many steps it takes to get to the front door; use stairs instead of elevators or climb escalators and race to the top. Even working around the house can get your child's blood pumping: Call for a clean-up challenge by having your kids bend squat-like to pick up and put away one toy at a time (set the oven timer and see if they can finish before it buzzes). Keep kid-size snow shovels or rakes handy, and see who can make the largest snow or leaf pile on the block before running and jumping into it.
Animal Dances
What child doesn't like music and animals? Combine both for some silly fun. Have your child choose his favorite music. As the music plays, shout out the names of different animals. Everyone playing the game has to dance as they imagine that animal would dance. For example: A monkey may swing his arms, a frog may hop between beats and a bird may flap his wings to the rhythm.
Get Organized
Don't overlook local athletic organizations, such as kiddie soccer and T-ball teams, or private groups that might offer dance, gymnastics or karate for the five-and-under set.
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