We all know that we need to be more active. We know that we should get our children off their tablets and devices, and out exercising. But, it’s not always easy. If you lead a busy life, either working, or studying online around your family commitments, your kids’ time on their tablets is probably the only chance you get to take a break. Instead of pressuring yourself to do more, and forcing your kids into exercise, why not find some ways to be more active together, as a family.
Walking
Going for a walk together is an easy way of getting some exercise. Children love an adventure, so make it fun. Instead of going for a walk, go out and explore. Younger children have great imaginations, so pretend you are on a dinosaur hunt, or that you have traveled to some far away destination. With older children, use it as a time to chat. Sat at home, with distractions, they may not tell you what is on their minds. A nice walk, away from real life, can help them to open up. Another option is to buy them a camera and encourage them to take photos, to make it more than just walking.
Bike Riding
Buying bikes for the whole family might well be one of the best things you ever do. Biking riding is a brilliant way of getting fit and explore new places. If you are a competitive family, have races or time trials. If not, just go for a nice ride along some trails together, and have a picnic once you reach your destination. Take your bikes on road trips to give you the chance to explore even more.
Running
If you have teenage children, why not start running, or another fitness hobby, together. Help to motivate and push each other. Children love to feel like they are helping you, and will really enjoy this. Put them in charge of tracking runs or times, as they often respond well to responsibility. Why not start with a couch to 5k program, and then sign up to some family friendly races.
Swimming
You don’t have to be swimming lengths to get some exercise. Even playing with the kids in the pool means you are moving and the water is providing resistance. To get some more exercise with babies and younger children, push them around on floats. If your children can swim, have races across the pool or diving competitions.
Once you get out of the house, you will be amazed at how much fun you have, spending time together and being more active.
If you are studying online, possibly an MBA, you are bound to be tired, but it will be worth it from a career perspective. Marketing jobs with an MBA can be incredibly flexible and fit in around your family life. Studying an MBA for marketing careers is a great idea, but while you are studying, your children may feel left out and worried.
Finding ways to be more active together can be a way of spending quality time with them, and alleviating their concerns.