Generation NeXt Parenting

All the statistics seem to show that our country is getting heavier and at a younger age. I even saw a study a couple weeks ago telling moms not to gain too much weight when they’re pregnant because their three-year-olds will be overweight.

Yikes! Who needs that kind of pressure?!?!?

Now that spring is in full swing in Indiana, I love watching my kids play outside. They could spend the whole day out there if I let them. And that’s a good thing on so many levels.

For the last couple weeks part of their outside time has included training. You see, part of the Indianapolis 500 Festival is a Rookie Run. That took place on Sunday. They have little races for kids from 3 to 12. Jonathan and the other three year olds ran three blocks (with their mommies and daddies). Abigail and the other six year olds ran ¼ mile. And the older kids ran a mile.

Jonathan was a tad overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, but did a great job running his two blocks. He is so proud of his medal, too. I can tell he knows he earned it. I was so thrilled to watch Abigail run the entire ¼ mile. She was exhausted afterwards but has the success of completing her first race by running the entire distance.

What a great way to introduce kids to the idea that exercise is fun. And fortunately they enjoyed it. My husband already has them signed up for another fun run.

So what are some of the ways you integrate exercise and staying fit into your family lifestyle?