Parenting: Getting kids back into a healthy routine – KATC Lafayette News

Jessica St. Martin is a personal trainer.

You would think, for her, it would be easy to get her kids off of the couch and moving–but like every mom out there it is easier said than done.

“They like their video games like everyone else,” St. Martin explained. “They know if they want that video game they have to do X,Y, and Z first.”

St. Martin does have some fun ways to get them active.

She said it is easy to use household objects for a workout, construct an obstacle course, and make it a friendly competition.

“Kids don’t want to do things that feel like work or heavy loads,” St. Martin explained. “Making the activity fun or something that is disguised as fun they won’t even realize it’s actual exercise.”

St. Martin, like other parents, knows how it easy it is to give kids a complex when it comes to weight.; It is something she works hard to avoid.

The reality is that 37% of kids in the U.S. are overweight. The state of Louisiana is in the top ten of states with the highest obesity rate.

“Children watch what you do,” Dr. Richard Luneau, with Lourdes Physician Group, said. “No matter how much you tell them to do something they’re going to learn from you and do what you do. If you are making good choices they’ll make good choices.”

Dr. Luneau said that children are being assessed when they go in for their yearly checkups.

He said a child’s pediatrician compares their weight and height to others on a growth chart. They are usually able to spot an issue if one should arise.

“They’re going to have advice as far as eating healthy, getting the exercises and doing those activities that children need to do for growth, mental, and physical health,” Luneau said.

Some things to keep in mind when trying to get your family on a healthy track:

Come up with a plan and make it part of your daily routine
Get your kids involved in cooking healthy meals.
Limit the screen time.
Be the example for your children. Get out there and do the activity with them and show them that physical activity can be fun.