Family (Health) Matters

By Donna Richardson Joyner  

With the holidays behind us and warmer weather around the corner it’s time to start thinking about shedding a few extra pounds.  As adults we typically make this a part of our resolutions for the New Year, but what about our youth?  How can we as parents and adults encourage them to put down the video games, and Ipods and “get busy” exercising?  Here are a few suggestions that just may work:  

1)      Plan a workout routine with them.  Children spell love – T I M E.  Unless you demonstrate that we are also willing to shed some pounds and get involved in some physical activity you can not expect them to be enthusiastic about it.  So plan a workout routine with your youth.  Establish a weekly schedule, identify what days of the week and what times you are to work out and stick with the plan.  If for some unforeseen reason you miss a day, pick up where you left off and forge ahead!  It lets your children know that they are important to you, and that you are serious about spending time with them and serious about exercising.  The idea is to get them involved, get you involved and establish a plan.  Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (NIV)   Be prayerful about how you approach the subject.  Make sure that they do not get the idea that this is some sort of punishment, but something to be engaged in together.  “Where there is no vision the people perish.”  (Proverbs 29:18)  Unless you are willing to establish a plan, explain it and follow it through no routine can be established.  Place the plan in a visible spot like on the refrigerator door or the door to the pantry.  

2)      Have a family “dance” party.  Let them pick the music (with your approval).  Learn their dances.  Show them some “old school” moves.  You are guaranteed to laugh and enjoy yourself.  Before we had hundreds of television channels to choose from we would spend more time together doing things as a family.  Why not recapture those times and establish a family dance night?  It is a great way to not only stay in shape, but it allows you to listen to what youths are listening to and provide guidance as needed.  Not only that but it is a great way to get the blood flowing and move some muscles that you may have forgotten about.  Turn off the television and put some music on.  Move your body and have some fun.  Psalm 126:2  “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.”    

3)      Do a complete family “make-over”.  Include nutrition, exercise, reading, outdoor activities, or any other activity you can enjoy together.  Take a break from the fast food restaurants.  Instead of driving three blocks to the store try walking instead.  That is one sure way not to overspend because you will have to carry your purchases home.  Plan your meals for the week.  Pick one day of the week as a planning day.  Discuss with your children what they would like to have for lunch or dinner.  Encourage healthy choices, plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit; try sautéed fish instead of fried fish.  Instead of fruit drinks high in sugar, soda or Kool-Aid try drinking more water.  Keep track of how much water each family member has consumed each day for a week, and then identify a reward such as reduced chores for a week or more time allowed for video games or talking on the phone.  Remember, you are in charge.  David prayed to God  “create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  (Psalm 51:10  NKJV)  He prayed for purity of spirit and motives.  By the same token let us present our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable” (Romans 12:1).  We are the temple of God , so let us take good care of our temple, let’s keep it healthy and strong by eating right, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest.    

4)      Have an incentive plan to encourage commitment and participation.  Once you and your children have made the commitment to get up and exercise identify some ways that will keep you both committed.  Perhaps there is a concert coming up and they would love tickets to attend.  Or maybe there is a new CD or video game out that they have had their eyes on.  Be creative!  Think about the likes and dislikes of your own child and based on their personality identify something that would keep them motivated.  Or – simply ask what would be a good incentive.  Allow them to participate in the decision-making process.  

5)      Make an investment.  If you don’t have a basketball goal and you don’t want to buy one, go to the neighborhood park.  Purchase some in-line skates.  Invest in a family plan at the local YMCA.  Find a walking trail and commit to walking three days a week.  Need a workout DVD? Or some walking shoes?  Pick them up! You will be more inclined to put them to use if you have made an investment.  

6)      Be committed yourself.  “Do as I say and not as I do” will not work!  Don’t commit too quickly and don’t try to do too much too soon.  You don’t want it to be a burden for you or them.  Think about how much time you have to devote to your plan and if it is only 15 minutes a day see if you can stretch it to thirty minutes.  Keep adding on until you are able to get in a good workout.  Let your children know that they are important to you and that you look forward to spending time with them.  They are a blessing from the Lord, and we are their stewards.  What better way is there to show them that we love them than to spend time with them getting healthy and strong together?  

One day we have children and the next day they are “grown and gone”.  While you can still enjoy your time together determine to grow healthy and stay fit together. 

Stay Fit, Stay Strong

Donna