I have never been much of a sports enthusiast. I've always been a bit
awkwardly pigeon-toed, gangly and less than fully motivated to get up
and move. As a child, I mostly preferred to spend my summers reading,
and when I did try the sportier activities, I tended to fail pretty
miserably.
Of course, I want better for my girls. I want them to enjoy exercise and
feel comfortable joining in games. But it's hard, because the best way
to encourage them is to get in there and act like it's fun. I know I
need to suggest regular bike rides and running-around games, but really
I dread them. This summer, I'll be working on my acting skills I guess.
Today I put in a good show, wrangling the girls into a ride around a
couple of our neighborhood blocks. Sophie is big enough to ride her
tricycle with help from me and the mommy-handle in back, and Julie can
ride her two-wheeler with training wheels with only a few extra pushes
from me when she gets stuck.
Still, we do reach the point when we're halfway around the block and one
of them balks, refusing even the possibility that they can go any
farther. By that point, my back is starting to hurt from leaning over
and I get to really exercise my acting chops, remaining cheery and
encouraging.
I know that the more round-the-block trips we make, the easier it will
get. In the mean time, I'm happy sitting here in my shaded lawn chair
while they amuse themselves in the yard.
There's been quite a bit of spinning and knitting going on here – I'm
almost ready to give and update, so stay tuned!
Ach! Exersize. : (
I am attempting to do yoga these days and get out for walks. It does take acting, even for myself. I do feel better when I get my blood moving though, and it is better for all the chocolate I eat that it be churned up well. Good luck with your
'acting' classes! You have two excellent motivators.
Leah
Evidently studies have shown that an active mother has more of an effect on the activity levels of children than an active dad. Good on you for getting out there – it does get easier and you are having a positive impact on the lives of those two lovely girls. (In total agreement about the back ache that comes from leaning over the bicycle though)
I'm totally in agreement with you… I hate getting sweaty and sticky… I prefer to sit and watch them run around, while I knit… and I too push myself to act like I enjoy it all..
Though, if we all go on a family hike, or bike ride, it's a whole different story… those things I don't need to act that I am enjoying them… when we put the net up in the front yard for volleyball or badminton I'm happy… but ask me to run up and down the drive way, or shoot baskets… yawn… So I kinda let the kids know that for certain activities they can play with each other… and somethings that I enjoy I will join in… granted my kids are now 14, 11 & 6…
Tonight, if the rain stops, I will be playing soccer with J's team. Parents vs. kids… frankly, I'm hoping the rain continues… I'm afraid of those kids and their cleats… Yikes!! I don't want to have banged up shins tomorrow…. =:O
awww such a good momma! You don't count spinning as exercise? It is good for the leg circulation at least!
Good for you for setting an example.
I've never been athletic but I have exercised since my daughter was four years old.
My 20 year old son is a couch potato. My 17 year old daughter has been on her HS cross country team for four years and her HS track team for five years.
I think a lot of it depends on the kid's interests and personality.