Just Do It

Yesterday, I heard a news blip on the radio talking about children and activity levels. The study they were quoting said that fully 1/4 of Canadian children are now overweight or obese. Apparently, less than 30% of children get the 90 minutes of physical activity a day required to meet minimum acceptable activity standards. That floored me. But I guess I can see how it happens. Kids go to preschool all day, parents pick them up, get home to get dinner on, baths and storytime. Given hectic lifestyles, it might easily happen that a child does not maintain a high activity level.

When I was young, I remember spending all our summers (and the better part of any non-rainy day) playing outside. And I know we spent even less time outside than my mom did when she was young. Growing up firmly in the middle class, my peers and I enjoyed lots of activities beyond just being told to go play outside. Between us, my brother and I were enrolled in figure skating and hockey, swimming, badminton, tennis, and soccer to name a few. Also, we didn't own a car until I was 8 (yes, you read that right), so my family walked absolutely everywhere: the grocery store, the library, the park. You name it.

Even before we had kids, David and I discussed the importance of keeping them active (and tired) to keep them happy, healthy, and, hopefully, out of trouble.

Ever since Nate was an infant, he has come with us to Ultimate games to watch mom and dad play. Now, at 4, he can throw a pretty mean backhand. Lately, we have been bringing the boys to the tennis club. While we play, the boys chase balls on the sidelines, play with cars and trucks and do a fairly good job of finding fun. They do, however, want nothing more than to be a part of the tennis game. We have to cajole them off the court and take breaks in our own game in order to let them have a turn. And proud mom that I am, after less than 7 tries, Nate could hit the balls back over the net.

Here's hoping we're starting everyone off on the right foot.