What's the worst thing about being sedentary? It has to be the way it affects your kids. Maybe you're forced to be a couch potato because of a debilitating illness. I completely empathize. I've had rheumatoid arthritis for many years. Bad stuff happens to good people. That doesn't mean you have to seclude your kids too. Maybe you're just plain lazy. That's not for me to say. Point is, there are things you can do to get your kids active, whether you are or not.
Make an effort to get out and about. Even if you work online at home, you can take your laptop to the back yard once in a while. If you're not completely incapacitated, you can take a walk once a day or so with the kids. Make that walk to the playground. If you're really not well, you can always sit on the swings while they play.
Have your own Special Olympics right in your own back yard. Sure, you have your physical limitations. So do a lot of people. Why let them get to you? Be a good example to your kids by doing whatever you can manage physically. Don't just give up on yourself. If you can't move conventionally, play whatever physical games you can manage with the kids. Let them learn to triumph over the odds by watching your example.
If you truly can't get up and moving, make sure your kids do. Hire someone to help you, them or both. Make sure that someone gets them outside to play with other kids. Let them spend the night at friends' houses and attend active events with someone you trust. Don't be envious. You can always spend quiet time with them. Break out the board games, read or do whatever quiet activity you can manage.
What if you're a bookworm, tech addict or just plain lazy? Do you sit and read while your kids are begging to go outside? Are you one of those people who's on Facebook all day bragging about your awesome life that doesn't exist? Shame on you! Think of the example you're setting for your kids. You obviously know what you should be doing. Now get up and do it. You'll be healthier and so will your kids.
Talk to your kids. It may be obvious, but in many homes, there's not a whole lot of explaining going on. Be honest with your kids about your illness. Express regret that you can't get out and play with them like you want to. Talk about the importance of physical fitness and general good health. Let them know you want them to live an active lifestyle, despite your own limitations. In other words, if talking is all you're capable of doing, make sure you do it. Don't let your sedentary lifestyle rub off on your kids. You know better.
More from Jaipi:
Teaching Kids to Entertain Themselves
Healthy Kids Grow - a Fresh Start for the Next Generation
5 ways to get kids to like the healthy stuff
