Develop Healthy Habits Early

Practicing good fitness and eating habits early in life will help your child increase the chances of growing into a healthy adult.

Playing sports can motivate the couch potato or video game addict ( like my boys ). Encourage your children to play and enjoy whatever sports they show an interest in. Sports help fill up their idle time, minimize the habits of fast-food and relieve stress. Plus, the personal and emotional rewards can last a lifetime! They develop a better sense of self-esteem and important social skills.

Getting Started

The best sport for your child is one that she or he finds fun and interesting. To encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, you might casually expose your child to a variety of sports and physical activities and let the child's desires and abilities serve as your guide. Whether your child's interests are baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming or running- your child is likely to find a sport that he or she enjoys!

Your child is likely to enjoy a sport more if allowed to learn in a relaxed atmosphere while having fun and receiving support and encouragement from adults. Athletics for youngsters should be thought of as a means of entertainment and recreation. Adults shouldn't pressure a young child to focus only on winning even if exceptional promise is shown.

A young athlete who might show natural talent in a particular sport must work hard and show dedication in order to succeed. Any child can learn and improve with positive support and coaching. A child learns by example. Much of what is seen and heard, and how the child is treated-on the field and off-can have lasting effects. An atmosphere that is fun and educational is likely to promote healthy self-esteem in your children!

Give your child the gift of healthy living!