Motivating Kids to be Physically Active
As a parent it is human nature to focus on your child's health problems. Perhaps it's their diet that concerns you, or their body-mass? Or perhaps they hide-out spending hours sitting in front of the computer, or watching television or playing the game boy? Or perhaps it is their low energy, or quiet demeanor, or negative self-talk that worries you? It can be painful to watch a child grow up and struggle with behaviors which do not appear to be serving them. Yet, as a parent, how do you best support your child in making changes?

The normal approach, called problem solving, seeks to fix what is wrong. Yet, this may make things worse instead of better. Especially if the child feels singled out, lacks confidence or has a poor body image. Plus, the more we go looking for problems to solve, the more problems we find. And the more problems we find, the more discouraged and overwhelmed both child and parent can become in trying to solve them.

Fortunately, there are better ways to support your child's health and wellness, besides focusing on problems. I would like to share a few of my favorites with you. While creating the show I spent ten years, working as a personal trainer and wellness coach. I also had a rich experience in graduate school studying psychology, with an emphasis on health, consciousness and healing. Consequently, I have a passion to support myself and others in being their best! The motivation tips I am about to share, have worked magic with my clients, as well as with myself.

1. Begin with Yourself!!!! As a parent, it is tempting to spend hours talking to your kids about their choices, expressing your concerns, guiding them, and telling them how you think they should change. Yet, children do not learn from what you say. They learn from what you do! They listen to your actions! Gandhi, a man responsible for more change in people than any other person in our era reinforced this point: "You can't change people. You must be the change you wish to see in others." Hence a key for motivating and inspiring your kids to be physically active is to be able to motivate yourself. Doing and living what you ask of your kids, connects you to the issues they face. After all, we are all human and can struggle with the same issues, although at different levels.

By being what you want your kids to be, you lead by inspiration. What a relief to think that you can stop nagging! and put more focus on being! "Be the change you wish to inspire! " remarks Steve Chandler, master motivator. Chances are high, that your kids would rather be inspired then be fixed or corrected!

Regan and I both grew up with parents who lead through example. My parents example has left permanent images embossed on my mind. I can remember sitting out on our deck with my bio-noculars in hand, following my dad as he ran his two mile loop in the countryside. Years later I found myself a varsity high-school and collegiate runner. I also used to admire my mother's beautiful bi-cep muscles as she threw 70 pound bails of hay. Years later, I find myself making a living as a person trainer and a Tweakster. Yet, I do not remember nearly a word of what they told me along the way! Now they are in their early 70's and continue to run and lift bails of hay. They are setting a tremendous example for me to follow! What a blessing.

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