It's amazing how much time you can actually spend outside being active when you just "live." After having a close friend's 10 year old son drive with me from NYC to VT for a few days, I realized just how exhausting, yet rewarding it is having a child around. Not only did I find out that I am my own mother...crazy tendencies and all (neurotic seat belt checks, chew with your mouth closed, don't drag your feet...those kinds of things) but I realized that I'm going to be one active, constantly on the go mother one day.
Noah and I were so jam packed with activities so that he could truly experience Vermont, that I don't think we stopped for much more than quick meals the entire time he was here! From a visit to the State Capitol building, to a Ben & Jerry's plant tour, fishing, boating, jet skis, hiking, morning runs, baseball in the front yard...you name it and we did it! There are SOOOO many opportunities in life to get outside and play with your children, there should be no reason to not take full advantage of the days when they are young enough to make an impression on them.
Hiking with Noah and my two little cousins in Vermont!
Noah was a trooper on our morning runs!
Working on our pop fly catches in the yard!
Granted, these few days I was on "vacation" and wasn't working full time, but Noah was also here full time and not in school so we were truly able to maximize all of the day together. But even if it means you wake up in the morning and do a quick walk as a family and then eat breakfast together during the week, it's setting a good example for your kids. If the mornings are too crazy, play outside with them when you get home from work. It's just so important for children to understand the meaning of "play" and that being active can and should be fun! And truthfully, if you're like Noah and I, you do these things and have a blast while you're doing them! And the best part...after a crazy, action packed day, you're able to enjoy moments like this in the evening!
It was very obvious during this time spent together that Noah's parents have raised him the same way that I was raised. He doesn't sit in front of a TV playing video games and doesn't sleep in late...he gets up early and wants to spend as much time as he can outside and being active. His parents are the same way and are constantly being active as a family. From an outsider's point of view, it makes a HUGE difference on the life of a child. As Alan Thicke once said, "Fitness needs to be perceived as fun and games or we subsequently avoid it." So get outside, play and have fun!!!
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