Get your your little ones on their feet and moving wherever you are.

Getting kids physically active is more important than most  parents realize. Even if your couch potato isn’t tipping the scales, getting him to use his muscles, pump his heart and flex his joints is essential for growth. Sports scientists say active kids become taller adults. They are also happier, more sociable and better-behaved. They even tend to do better in school.

There is also the issue of childhood obesity. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obese children are likely to become obese adults. This comes with a higher risk of future health problems including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis.

The US CDC advises just an hour or two a day of active movement is good enough for most children.

Starting them young is the best way to create a life-long habit of being active. Keeping an active toddler busy can be a challenge for any parent, especially since most toddlers have more energy than most adults. Have on hand or in mind a few games and activities for those active toddlers. You don’t have to look far:

• If you’re a yogi, show your little one how to do the downward dog or tree pose. If you’re a runner, take them to a track, and let them run alongside you for a warm-up.
• Playing with balls and balloons can help to improve your toddler’s muscle strength and her coordination.
• Hide-and-Seek or Tag are games that toddlers will love, as well. For the active toddler, seeking will probably be a lot more fun than hiding, as it can be difficult to sit still long enough to be found.
• Your toddler might also enjoy sweeping with the broom. While the floor won’t be entirely clean when he is done, he could enjoy the process. 
• If you have a playground in the neighborhood, use it. After dinner, hit the street instead of the remote control. Or make housework a habit for your kids throughout the day – cleaning their room, watering plants, feeding pets, setting the table, tidying up. Add this all up, and you’ll have a child that is routinely, habitually, physically active.
• Sneak in exercise into regular errands like grocery shopping. Let them push their own mini cart. Put them in charge of loading items and placing them on the counter. With all that heavy lifting and walking up and down aisles, they’ve clocked in enough exercise for a day without realizing it.

Encourage your little ones to make physical activities part of their day, and you’ll be creating a healthy pattern that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

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