Forget joining the gym. Life with children can be really active
After having a baby most mothers will understandably carry some extra weight which they will want to shift but it is best to take some time to enjoy your baby and rest too. There seems to be a lot of pressure on mothers to be a certain way and it is time this attitude was relaxed as most importantly a mother needs to be healthy and a baby needs to be cared for. Unbeknownst to themselves most mothers get a lot of exercise and as your children grow from babies to tots you will find you will be doing more and more. Here are a few reasons why having kiddies will keep you fit and healthy!
- Eating habits- It is well known that once you have kids it is difficult to sit down and enjoy meals in peace so eating becomes quick and food becomes healthier as you try to wean your baby properly setting her on the right path for life. This is generally a good thing as if you are making healthy food for your youngster you will invariably follow suit which reduces your intake of processed foods and takeaways being ordered. It doesn’t mean treats are forgotten but they are exactly that “treats.”
- Running toddler- No mother wants to be out run by a toddler and once your nipper gets their legs moving there will be no stopping them! This gives any parent the drive to be healthier to be able to keep up with your youngster and have fun with them.
- Days out- With kid’s days out become normality and weekends are spent driving to the beach or the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors as nature intended. During the week, you may bring your kiddies swimming, cycling or out walking with the family dog. These things will improve your health and your children’s long term health too.
- School runs- School runs are exactly that a “run” as getting kiddies ready and out the door on time is no easy task in any household no matter how organised you are. There will be days when you are running late and you must speed walk/run to the school from the house or the car depending on your location.
- Protectiveness- There will be times when your speed and pace gets your child out of potential harm’s way. You will leap to protect your child if they are nearly knocked over by a bike or when they stand too close to a slide when another child comes down. You will catch them when they fall off the tree they are swinging from and all of these things are keeping you active and healthy.
- Role model- Having kids usually instils an appetite within you to be the best role model and show your kids how best to behave and how best to care for your body. Personal health is vital to our children’s future health and if they watch you exercise and partake in family activities they too will be healthy like you.
- You have your own cheer leader- If you want to take up cycling or running in marathons you will have your own personal cheerleader in your children and they will want to be just like you!
Having kids will improve your health as long as you let it!
Written by Emma Hayes. Emma is a writer with Family Friendly HQ and also writes her own parenting musings over at www.emmasmadjotters.com