Getting your preschooler to exercise

Today, preschoolers spend a lot of time in front of the television and the computer, playing games and watching cartoons. In doing so, kids hardly get time to do the thing that they are meant to do %u2013 run, jump, hop, skip and play. Gone are the days when childhood meant running around the woods and exploring the neighborhood. Today, parents are too worried to send the kids next door to play. The downside of all this is that kids, especially preschoolers do not get adequate exercise.

Research shows that preschoolers between the ages of two to four should not rest in one place for more than an hour. When kids spend most of their time without much physical activity, they tend to eat more often. By the time, they are in their early teens, they become obese and have social and health issues.

As a parent, you can help get your preschooler to exercise. Here%u2019s how you can go about getting your kid to stay fit and active during the day.

Limit TV and Computer time
Start by limiting the time your kids spend in front of the television or the computer. Allow them to watch may be 30 minutes of television and play computer games for 30 minutes. Let them learn to engage themselves through the rest of the day.

Take them to the playground
If you have the time, take them to the playground after their afternoon nap. Your kids get to interact with other children, run around, jump and play as much as they want. While, you can just spend some time reading a book or chatting up with your buddies

Get them to shake a leg
If it%u2019s a rather cold, dull or rainy day, just switch a fun music CD and get your kids to dance. You can join the fun, too. It%u2019s a great way to get them to exercise and a great way to bond with your kids.

Get them to walk
Take your kids for a early morning stroll around the block. Take them with you when you walk the dog. Do not rush to grab your car keys to go to the neighborhood store. Walk with your kids instead. If possible, let your kids walk with you while shopping, instead of immobilizing them in the stroller or the shopping cart.

Arrange activity-based play dates
Preschoolers love to play with their buddies. You can arrange to go swimming with your child%u2019s friend and his mom. Or you can take your child and her buddies to the park for an afternoon of running and jumping

Look up some classes
Understand your child%u2019s interest and send him for swimming, dance or movement classes. You can also check out the nearest kids gym if that would interest your child.

Make exercise a part of your child%u2019s daily routine. Just don%u2019t push her too hard. Make it a fun experience. Something that she%u2019ll cherish for years to come.