On The Right Track To Raising Healthy Kids

What is better than going for a jog around the neighborhood?

Going for a jog around the neighborhood ... with my son.  This is the second time he's asked to run with me and I just love it.  Both times I had been hesitant, worrying that this six year old would slow me down; however, it's the opposite.  He motivates me to go further and keep going.  We have great conversations along the way too.  The first time we jogged he looked at all the houses around us and said, "the people who live in these homes should feel lucky that they have homes to live in."  He was also talking to me about how important it is to stay healthy and get exercise.  I just hope that as he grows he continues to love exercise.  This morning he woke me up and said he wanted to exercise with me.  We started with some jumping jacks and then he grew bored and started playing with his toys, of course.  But when we jog he keeps going.  He doesn't stop.  There really isn't anything to distract him.  I told him if he's still interested in running when he's older he can try out for the track team in school. 

My husband and I try to set a good example for our children.  We eat as healthy as we can (but I do slack off on this more than occasionally) and we also work out.  If I raise my kids the healthy way then that is what they will grow up to know; unlike me, who grew up on fast food, junk food and hours of television.  

My son loves playing video games and he's quite good at them but I'd rather see him active and do something that will be good for him before he sits to play those games.  So before he sat down to play Wii he ran with me.  It felt good.  It also helps rid some of that typical six year old energy he has.