As most people are aware, the current obesity rate for preschool-aged children has more than doubled over the past few decades. The main reasons that children are becoming obese are because they are eating way too much junk food and are not participating in daily preschool exercise. Children that are overweight have a high risk of developing major health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, or cancer. Fortunately, just by making a few simple changes parents can help guide their children back on the right track.

SeamlesslyIntegrate Preschool Exercise

By nature, young children are full of energy and like to run, jump, and play. The challenging part for parents is to keep their children motivated and engaged to want to continue doing daily exercise as they grow older. Fortunately, there are some fairly easy preschool exercise activities that can be easily integrated into a busy lifestyle that will help to keep children active. Some of these activities include the following:

• When you go shopping, try to make it a habit to not park too close to the front of the store. Parking away from the store and getting in some walking is a great way to burn a few extra calories.

• Try using analogies to stress the importance of good health to your child. For example, when taking the family dog out for a walk, explain to your child the reasons that the dog needs daily exercise, and then point out to your child that these are similar reasons that he or she needs daily exercise as well.

• Make it a habit to walk to the mailbox with your child to collect the mail. Then, if there is enough time, do a quick jaunt around the neighborhood.

• If you have a garden, bring your child outside to help. Preschoolers love to help pick fruits and vegetables and, of course, like to eat them. They may also even help pull a few weeds. Helping with the garden gets children outside and keeps them active.

• Play a quick ball game such as wiffle ball or soccer with your child. Children love ball games, and this is a wonderful way to bond and spend quality time with them.

• Let your child jump on a trampoline. Children love to jump and there are all sorts of different trampolines available from mini indoor trampolines to big outdoor trampolines.

• Pop a children’s exercise video in and watch your children shake, move, and dance around. This is an especially good idea on a cold and rainy day.

Incorporate Preschool Exercise into Outings

With a little thought and preparation, preschool exercise can be incorporated into nearly all outings and trips. Here are a few ideas:

• If you are going on a camping trip, also plan a nice and relaxing mini hike or a bike ride. This is a great way for the family to enjoy the scenery and spend some quality time together.

• During a shopping trip at the mall, make sure to take an extra lap or two around the mall. This is a good way to see all of the stores and also get in a little light exercise.

• After eating out at a restaurant take a few minutes to digest the food and then take a casual walk around a few surrounding stores or by the nearby area. This is a great way to burn off some of the calories consumed during the meal.

Be a Good Role Model

Parents can be the biggest help in guiding, inspiring, and motivating their children to enjoy doingpreschool exercise by setting a good example and by being an ideal role model. Parents play a pivotal role in molding and influencing their child’s beliefs and attitudes. This is especially true when it comes to indoctrinating proper eating and exercise habits. Children learn by example, and if parents make it a point to exhibit and stress the importance of healthy habits, then their children will very likely follow lead and will also develop strong and enduring habits that will last throughout their lifetime.

Benefits of Exercise For the Family

When the entire family is engaged in a healthy and active lifestyle, the benefits are immense. Not only does exercise help to keep the family physically fit and feeling great, but it also keeps the family on the same page when it comes to eating right and exercising. Exercise helps with disease prevention, stress management, and helps children build concentration and confidence. The family is able to enjoy a close and cohesive bond together that revolves around the same healthy activities and interests.

A few simple daily changes can greatly help to motivate and inspire children to get moving and stay active. This, in turn, helps children maintain a healthy weight and greatly reduces their risk of developing serious weight-related health repercussions.