5 Tips for Adding Activity to Your Child's Day

 Submitted by *Brand Ambassador Kathryn from Mommy Kat and Kids, a mother of two energetic little boys that keep her running from dawn until dusk. She used to have problems remembering to give her kids their vitamins, until she discovered IronKids! The great taste of the supplements ensures that she never has to remember to give IronKids gummies to her children...her boys remind her each and every day!

When it comes to vitamins, having ones that my kids love is just as important to me as having ones that provide great nutrition and that’s why I’ve been a fan of IronKids Gummy Vitamins for Kids for such a long time. My boys have tried all the varieties and while they enjoy all of them, I think the Omega-3 are probably their favourite. They love the fun fish shape and chewy texture!  And I love that I can give my kids the vitamins they need when they need them! If they’ve had lots of milk on any particular day, I skip the Calcium vitamin. On cloudy days, they always get a Vitamin D. And without fail, every single day includes an IronKids Multi-Vitamin, much to their delight!

Get Moving - Five Tips for Adding Physical Activity to Your Child’s Day

The way kids are always moving, it may seem like ensuring they get enough physical activity every day is a no-brainer. But when the weather turns cold or school and organized activities start to eat up more free time, it can be a little more difficult to ensure that kids are moving as much as they should be!

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends that children get sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each and every day. And while something more sedentary like brisk walking is a fine choice for an adult, children tend to thrive on more challenging and imaginative forms of exercise! So to help make sure your kids are getting all the activity they need, here are five tips for easily working exercise into your family’s everyday routine.

1. Schedule it. I don’t know why, but if I don’t have a schedule for something, I have a hard time keeping track of it. Set aside a certain time every day (say from 4: 00 to 4:30 every afternoon) that is especially for getting active, and then have fun finding different ways to move for that half-hour. You’ll be able to end every day knowing that you and your children did something positive for their health.
    
2. Invest in some fun backyard play equipment. Taking children to the park may not always be an option, but a swing set and a slide in a child’s own backyard can provide hours of entertainment and activity. A trampoline is another good choice and can be fun for parents too. Browse through your local classifieds or used product websites to outfit your backyard in kid-friendly style without spending a fortune.
    
3. Put away the car keys. Instead of driving to the store to pick up milk or to the school to drop off your child, set a good example by walking or biking instead. Not only will you be teaching your child a great lesson about working physical activity into their day, but you’ll get some fresh air and exercise too.
    
4. Check out local programs. Most communities have a range of different classes and groups for almost any sport or activity your child might enjoy. Read up on the activities in your community and let your child burn off some energy and learn a new sport all at the same time. As an added bonus, the registration fees for most organized sports programs are tax deductible!
    
5. Get creative. Sometimes weather, time or other restrictions will keep you housebound no matter how much you might like to get up and go. So if you’re stuck indoors and getting stir-crazy, get creative about ways to move! Even in a small house, there are ways to have fun and burn off some energy. Crank up your kids’ favourite tunes and have a dance-off, race-walk up the stairs or lead a “pretend” exercise class. If it’s new to your kids, they’re probably going to have a blast doing it!
    

It might take a little bit of planning, but adding physical activity to each and every day doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, kids generally thrive on activity so they are likely to eagerly take advantage of every opportunity to get moving that you give them! So hop off the couch, grab a healthy snack and get moving with your kids! Not only is it great for developing healthy habits, you’ll get the chance to bond as a family too!

*Our Brand Ambassadors were given one full bottle of IronKids Omega 3s, Calcium, Vitamin D, Multi and Omega 3 Bursts and asked to write about their healthy families. We thank them for their contribution and sharing with us how they are Raising Healthy Kids! IronKids wants to hear your story of your healthy family. Submit all articles for consideration to dlowther@lifescinutritionals.com