Family Time & Overall Fitness

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

17 Apr 2006 05:00 PM

We're a busy people and as families in busy America seem to spend more time apart than together. When it comes to spending time together, any time you spend with your family is healthier for all of you. So get your kids, get your spouse and head outdoors. It's springtime and the weather is getting more pleasant, making outdoor time a great way to improve your fitness and increase the time you spend with your family.

You can help boost self-esteem in your children, improve their self-confidence and increase the feeling of love and acceptance they feel from their parents. Fostering a strong bond with your children through shared activity is also a way to help reduce the odds of high-risk behavior as they get older.

High-risk behavior includes taking drugs, drinking alcohol and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. While tight-knit family bonds may not remove the threat of these high-risk behaviors altogether, they can dramatically reduce them because your children will be more inclined to reach out to you if they are used to spending time with you.

There are studies that support this theory. One study of 12,000 teens found that those who in participated in regular family activities with their parents demonstrated increased academic activity and possessed higher amounts of self-esteem than their more inactive peers.

This study also supported the idea that non-teams sports activities such as yoga and cycling together were just as self-esteem boosting as team sports like soccer, baseball and football.

As parents, we have long known that our involvement in our children's lives is vital. Now we know that our physical activity and fitness especially in increased physical activity that involves our children is equally important. So go outside today and toss a ball, toss a Frisbee, go for a walk or jump together on the trampoline. The family that plays together thrives together, now and in the future.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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