Parenting Blog

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Workout Routines Ideal for Moms

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Are you a full-time mom raising a toddler or growing kid? Do you sometimes feel overworked? Do you also feel the need to exercise at least a few times each week?

Well, you’re not alone. Indeed parenting is such a tough job more so if you’re just starting a family. Any hands-on mom or dad can attest to this.

mom with carrier

Parenting requires not just a sound mind but most especially a fit body. It is only when you’re physically and emotionally healthy that you are able to take on the great responsibilities of raising a child into a useful and independent individual.

If you feel that you lack some exercise, take heart because unaware to you, there are already various daily chores that you do that help work out your body. Know what they are and what you can do more to allow you to do a little exercise.
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Originally posted on January 31, 2013 @ 2:30 am

How to Develop a Kid’s Interest in Sports

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Sports develop a child’s physical skills. It also has other benefits such as providing children some form of exercise and the opportunity to make friends with other kids as well as allowing them to learn how to play as in a team, to play fair and to boost their self-confidence.

Unfortunately, not all kids are athletic or at least, have an interest in sports. Some show an interest early on while the others develop their love for sports at a later age.

For parents who have a child or children wanting to be in sports, your support and involvement are very important. There are various ways in which you can provide your support to your child.
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Originally posted on May 5, 2012 @ 1:28 pm

Your Daughter and Physical Fitness

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Girl Sports

Studies show that girls turn away from sports and fitness once they reach the teen years. So how do we keep our daughters as interested in keeping fit as our sons keep?

It’s important to teach our children that fitness is a lifestyle choice, and that keeping fit is a life-long endeavor. For boys this lesson isn’t as difficult, but studies show that girls are less likely to remain physically active once they reach adolescence. Judy Notay, an education fitness consultant, says girls lack of interest in fitness during the teen years is quite dramatic. “With girls and physical activity there definitely is a drop when they hit around twelve to thirteen. Studies show that there’s a real dramatic drop in team sports. Girls need to be in a social, team-driven, fun environment, and with girls only.”

We can help our daughters remain physically active by role modeling and by seeing that our schools provide fitness programs that reflect the interests of girls. Rick Bell, professor of Physical Education at the University of Victoria believes that girls are less active than boys are because it’s “a reflection of what’s happening in our schools. Girls are indicating that the curriculum is not reflecting what they want in types of activities, and the manner in which competition is a part of many activities is contrary to what many girls feel is important.”

Professor Bell says many schools are beginning to offer physical education programs for girls that grab their interest. “I know of many schools that have developed dance programs, modern, jazz, tap and social dance programs, and schools that have a prominent aerobic dance program and outdoor education programs. These are programs that typically get children very active in different settings and have been very popular in getting more and more young women involved in physical activity.”

If you’re looking for a fitness program for your daughter outside of the school setting here’s what to keep in mind says Notay. “When you’re looking for a program for your daughter make sure it’s girls only, that the activity will ensure success because it meets their skill level, and that the person running the program is very positive and understands girl’s needs. Also get a group of girls together to try something new. Then they feel safer than being on their own trying something new.”

Physical activity helps our children cope with stress, prevents disease and provides fun and socialization. While helping your daughter find the right fitness program can be a little daunting, there’s no doubt it’s worth the effort.

Photo via JosephGilbert.org

Originally posted on August 20, 2010 @ 12:34 pm