Quote:
Originally posted by DGqueen17
And it's not as if she can FORCE a 14 and a 16 year old to go play outside.
|
I think it's best if healthy habits are ingrained from the "beginning" like putting kids in soccer at age 5, or swimming, baseball, t-ball...anything. If a kid has not done sports, I think expecting them to start at age 14 or 16 is way too late.
I'll tell you this: as a child, my parents took us hiking on the weekends. It was a good way for us to bond as a family, get some fresh air and exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The same can be done with a walk in the park or at the beach (or whatever "nature" is near where you live). My point is, parents need to start early. My nephew is 16 mos. and he is on x-country skiis already. He probably skiis for about 1/2 an hour and when he's pooped, he goes in the little backpack carrier and sleeps.
And as for overly obsessive health-nut relatives, everything in MODERATION. Yeah, we were taken hiking, but we always got a "treat" on the way home, like stopping for ice-cream on the drive back or what have you. And my parents ALWAYS made sure that we were home in time for the Wonderful World of Disney.
And by the way, I wear a size 10-12, so no, I am not a stick.