When it comes to affordable-meets-fun ways to creating bonding opportunities with one’s children, parents who regularly incorporate physical activity in the mix create a win-win scenario.
"Physical activity can be a fun outlet for enhancing family bonding and establishing deeper relationships among family members,” reported Dr. Don Morgan, an exercise-science expert and professor of health and human performance at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, during an interview by phone.
Parents' Attitude Toward Physical Fitness Influences Exercise Habits of Children, Teens
Moreover, he added, “As role models, parents can have a major impact by establishing a positive outlook toward physical activity that may carry forward into adolescence and adulthood."
No matter the age of children or their parents, bonding activities built on pursuits with fitness at their core accessible, usually free and full of fun for all, even those with physical limitations.
"Make physical activity something that everyone in the family can enjoy,” Morgan encouraged. “Take walks with your children or go on bicycle trips. Explore new opportunities to be active through your local parks and recreation department.”
Add Friends and Other Families to Exercise Activities to Enhance Enjoyment
Additionally, incorporating friends and other families in such active-filled pursuits is yet another way to enhance the enjoyment of bonding through exercise and wellness-promoting endeavors.
“Consider joining together with other families to play group activities like basketball, touch football, soccer or even a family oriented scavenger hunt,” advised Morgan, who also serves as director of MTSU’s Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth.
And on days when the weather outside isn’t conducive to outdoor family fun, the great indoors also can offer parent-child bonding opportunities that are both productive and fun, with a bit of team effort and creativity.
Household Chores Can Be Fitness-inspired Fun Indoors on Cold or Rainy Days
“On days when leaving the house isn’t viable, parents can make ‘inside time’ an adventure by working with their children to accomplish a household’s ‘to-do’ list,” Morgan said. “You can even assign active household duties, such as vacuuming, washing the car or mowing the lawn to all family members."
Doing so, he continues, makes chores less routine and enhances the spirit of teamwork as a family, while also providing a bit of exercise for all.
Above all else, it is important to set the proper example for children when it comes to instilling a healthy attitude toward physical fitness, noted Morgan, who added that even parents who don't particularly like sports can lead the way to encouraging lifelong fitness habits that improve one's quality of life.
Lisa L. Rollins - Texas native Lisa L. Rollins, Ph.D., is an award-winning feature writer, interviewer and journalism educator.
