The demands of our daily lives make it tough to get motivated to move for our health. There’s already enough demand of our time with work or school, maintaining a household, and making sure the kids do what they need to do. It’s so much easier to unwind in one place with your eye on everyone.

But if family time is at a premium, adding movement to the routine can be a great way to create some lasting habits that get everyone moving toward better health.

Active Parents Create Active Kids

Kids are truly mirrors of their parents. They will do what they see you do. If you sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television, they will sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television.

But if you’re active, they will be active. We understand that can be hard to do when you’re working long hours and taking care of a household on top of that. But the New Year creates opportunities to get yourself moving and make the kids part of the action. Even better, there’s plenty of easy ideas.

Get outside

You might have to schedule some time early on. But make sure to go for a walk as a family right after they get home from school, or after dinner. You might not have to schedule the time after a while.

Limit screen time

It’s an easy way to keep kids occupied but two hours a day is MORE than enough. Keep televisions and electronic media out of your kids’ rooms to encourage them to engage with you.

Choose toys wisely

Gaming systems may be the rage, but balls, skateboards, jump ropes, and kites require kids to get out of the house and move. And you need to go with them.

Do chores together

There’s always work to do around the house. It gets done faster when everyone chips in. It keeps people moving and it keeps your household sharp.

Schedule play time

Think of activities that require movement: a weekly trip to the park, monthly minigolf, or bowling. It’s a fun activity that’s outside the norm, but it requires everyone to move.

Plant a garden

Take advantage of any property you have access to or involve the children in your community garden. It teaches kids about the food system, and they will be excited about eating what they grow. It can also help boost healthy eating habits.

Get Moving

You don’t have to run a marathon or turn into a world-class athlete. You just need to get moving. Getting your kids to move with you will be a great way to keep everyone in the family motivated.

Look around your house and see if there are any items you can incorporate into an exercise routine. You just need a little creativity and the wherewithal to get started.

AltaMed has all manner of resources to help you eat right, move right, and take better care of yourself and your entire family. Let our team of bilingual certified enrollment counselors help you explore program options that work best for you and your family. 

Get started by calling AltaMed at (877) 462-2582.