by Pennie Sempell
Are you having trouble getting your child motivated to exercise? Is the lure of that popular kids’ TV show or the newest electronic device fretting away hours that you wish your child were spending getting some fresh air and exercise?
You are right in wanting your child to be physically fit. Not only do patterns of fitness learned in childhood tend to extend into adulthood, but there are practical benefits that affect learning for the physically fit child. Physical health is one of the three cornerstones of whole person health. Mental health and social health are the other two cornerstones, with spiritual health being a fourth important element of health for many people. Learning is enhanced when the mind is relaxed and stress is lowered. Exercise is one of the better ways to reduce stress and its effects on the mind. Regular exercise helps oxygenate the brain and maintain improved cardiovascular health. These benefits support brain functioning as your child meets the challenges of education.
So what strategy you can try at home to motivate your child to become fit?
For the purposes of this article, I will assume that joining local sports teams is not an option for one reason or another. Clearly, this is one good way for your child to become active physically, but it is not an option that meets the preferences, needs or logistics of every family. None of my children, for example were interested in team sports, but all of them were active physically in a variety of other ways, such as walking, bike riding, martial arts, dance, gymnastics, swimming, etc.
Here is one fun idea that can yield many dividends for the family: The Mystery Walk. Here’s how it works. Walking is one of the best exercises and there is a way to make it family fun. I call it the Mystery Walk. First, start by creating a folder of resources of things to do, sites to see, interesting shops, etc. in your town and immediate environs. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce, library and bookshop to collect resources. This can be a family learning expedition on its own. Next, get a detailed map of your area. Now you are ready to begin planning your first Mystery Walk. Depending on the age of the children and number of family (or extended family) members who will be participating, divide up into small teams (e.g. a reader with a non-reader; and adult with a child). Team 1 plans a Mystery Walk for the weekend or other free time. The Mystery Walk should be between 1-2 miles in length, looping back to your car, home or public transportation. The walk should include some interesting site, activity or experience along the way. You might want to save that special dessert-of-the-week treat for the end of the walk. Team 2 does not know where they are going. It is a surprise! Dress properly, being mindful of the best time of day to depart for heat, wind or other predictable natural elements.
Children love planning surprises and they love being surprised. The Mystery Walk can get everyone out of the house for an hour or two, learn something new about your community, engage in planning, and share the surprises that come about when we explore.
Have fun helping your family to get fit and learning more about your community!
Working with physicians and psychologists at a major medical center, former teacher and mediator, Pennie Sempell, JD, ACMT specializes in integrative healing arts and mind-body therapies. She has written, performed and produced award-winning programs for children with a focus on health literacy. www.HealthierHappierLife.com.
Are you having trouble getting your child motivated to exercise? Is the lure of that popular kids’ TV show or the newest electronic device fretting away hours that you wish your child were spending getting some fresh air and exercise?
You are right in wanting your child to be physically fit. Not only do patterns of fitness learned in childhood tend to extend into adulthood, but there are practical benefits that affect learning for the physically fit child. Physical health is one of the three cornerstones of whole person health. Mental health and social health are the other two cornerstones, with spiritual health being a fourth important element of health for many people. Learning is enhanced when the mind is relaxed and stress is lowered. Exercise is one of the better ways to reduce stress and its effects on the mind. Regular exercise helps oxygenate the brain and maintain improved cardiovascular health. These benefits support brain functioning as your child meets the challenges of education.
So what strategy you can try at home to motivate your child to become fit?
For the purposes of this article, I will assume that joining local sports teams is not an option for one reason or another. Clearly, this is one good way for your child to become active physically, but it is not an option that meets the preferences, needs or logistics of every family. None of my children, for example were interested in team sports, but all of them were active physically in a variety of other ways, such as walking, bike riding, martial arts, dance, gymnastics, swimming, etc.
Here is one fun idea that can yield many dividends for the family: The Mystery Walk. Here’s how it works. Walking is one of the best exercises and there is a way to make it family fun. I call it the Mystery Walk. First, start by creating a folder of resources of things to do, sites to see, interesting shops, etc. in your town and immediate environs. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce, library and bookshop to collect resources. This can be a family learning expedition on its own. Next, get a detailed map of your area. Now you are ready to begin planning your first Mystery Walk. Depending on the age of the children and number of family (or extended family) members who will be participating, divide up into small teams (e.g. a reader with a non-reader; and adult with a child). Team 1 plans a Mystery Walk for the weekend or other free time. The Mystery Walk should be between 1-2 miles in length, looping back to your car, home or public transportation. The walk should include some interesting site, activity or experience along the way. You might want to save that special dessert-of-the-week treat for the end of the walk. Team 2 does not know where they are going. It is a surprise! Dress properly, being mindful of the best time of day to depart for heat, wind or other predictable natural elements.
Children love planning surprises and they love being surprised. The Mystery Walk can get everyone out of the house for an hour or two, learn something new about your community, engage in planning, and share the surprises that come about when we explore.
Have fun helping your family to get fit and learning more about your community!
Working with physicians and psychologists at a major medical center, former teacher and mediator, Pennie Sempell, JD, ACMT specializes in integrative healing arts and mind-body therapies. She has written, performed and produced award-winning programs for children with a focus on health literacy. www.HealthierHappierLife.com.
