Getting Your Kids Active: Tips from Moms

We know that as parents, your top priority is the health of your children. Ensuring your kids eat properly and get enough sleep is hard enough without the added struggle to get them out of the house and away from their screens.

We sat down with all-star moms YMCA moms Suzette Ennis (mom of seven whose son Tyler Ennis plays in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks), and Virginia Dimoglou (mom of two and YMCA staff) to find out how they get their kids off the couch.

Suzette’s Tips:

1. Kids are more likely to get active when they’re with their peers.
   Invite your child’s friends to play outside in your neighbourhood.
2. Remember, the hard part will always be getting your kids away from their screens.
   Once they’re out and active, they’ll be having so much fun they’ll soon forget about their video game!
3. Lead by example.
   Your kids will pick up on your habits whether they’re healthy or not, so make sure your children see how much you enjoy regular exercise.

Virginia’s Tips:

1. Get your kids involved with grocery shopping.
   Ask them to compare brands to find the healthiest option.
2. Make exercise a competition!
   Give every family member a pedometer -- who gets the most steps every day, mom and dad or the kids?
3. Talk to your kids about the steps you’re taking to lead a healthy lifestyle.
   What will mom be doing at the gym tonight? What route does dad take on his run? Soon enough your children will be asking to join you!
4. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself as healthy role models. If you take small steps to having a healthier life, your kids will naturally follow your lead.
5. Show, don’t tell. Your children are much more likely to pick up healthy habits that they see you exhibit, as opposed to you telling them to eat better or get active.

We want to see you get active with your kids, so join us for a free day of family activities on YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Sunday, June 7! Learn more at ymcagta.org/healthykids.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Toronto, please visit http://ymcagta.org