An active and healthy family is a happy family and working towards this should be an important goal for all parents. Keeping your family healthy and happy is no easy job. With work and schools commitments and safety issues, it can be tough to balance everything.
How much physical activity do families need?
Benefits of Physical Activity for the Family
Resources, tools & activity ideas
How much physical activity do families need?
Physical Activity is Fun! Make it part of your family's day…at home, at school, at play, inside or outside, and on the way to and from school. Both adults and children need at least 30-90 minutes of physical activity every day for optimal health benefits.Kids learn health behaviours early, especially from their parents or caregivers. Start by setting a good example. If your children see that you are regularly active, chances are that they will be too! Being active together is a fun way for families to bond. If you want your children to grow up healthy, strong and self-fulfilled, show them the enjoyment of active living. Take time to enjoy an active, outdoor life together. Regular physical activity is healthy for everyone in the family. Kids who log in plenty of play and activity perform better at school, have better social skills and a heightened sense of self-esteem.
Benefits of Physical Activity for the Family
- Builds bonds between family members
- Provides quality family time
- Reduces stress within the family
- Improves communication between family members
- Gets parents more active as they take part in activities with children
- Allows parents to rediscover the things they loved as children - kite flying, frisbees, skipping and hula hoops
Develop a family activity plan to help increase commitment to an active lifestyle. Click here for help in creating an activity plan.
Activity Ideas
For tips about how to get the whole family active, click here
Programs and Events
Links
For more information on Active Families, click here