As a parent, balancing work and family life can be hard. Throw in an active lifestyle, and you have a real challenge. Whether you’re going for a daily jog or training for a marathon, having kids in the mix can make it difficult to stay motivated and follow through with your plans. However, with some creative problem-solving and planning, you can find ways to make an active lifestyle work with kids in tow.
Find Activities That Everyone Will Enjoy
One of the best ways to handle an active lifestyle with kids is to find activities that everyone will enjoy. For example, if you’re into running or hiking, plan weekend trips where you all get out and explore nature together. This way, you get out there, stay fit, spend quality time with your family, and make fond memories together. If possible, pick activities that cater to what you like, and the kids like. You can try the following activities with your kids when you’re out:
- Swimming
- Biking
- Skating
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
These activities can help you stay active and have fun with your family. Plus, it allows your children to learn new skills and explore different activities they may not experience otherwise.
Set a Good Example
Setting a good example for your kids regarding an active lifestyle is important. If they see you out and about, working out and staying fit, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. You can also involve them in your daily activities, like taking a walk around the neighborhood or jogging with them for a few minutes. This will help you stay active, bond with your kids, and show them that exercise isn’t something to be dreaded but embraced.
If your kids are very young, be sure to take into account their age and energy levels when planning activities. Additionally, ensure you’re realistic about your expectations for yourself and your kids. Forcing them for long runs or hikes may only lead to frustration. Instead of pushing them too hard, try to find activities everyone can enjoy.
Plan Ahead
When juggling multiple responsibilities—work, family life, and staying active—it pays off big time to plan as much as possible. Having a schedule or calendar that everyone is aware of helps keep everyone on the same page regarding what needs to be done daily or week-to-week. You may even consider using a scheduling app so everyone can access their phones.
It might also help if one person manages the calendar, so things don’t get too overwhelming for everyone involved. For instance, if you have a family member who can help out, they may be able to manage the calendar and take on some planning responsibilities.
In addition to staying organized and managing your time, don’t forget to plan for those moments when you can relax and recharge. This could include a weekly date night with your partner or taking time for yourself to read or go for a long walk. When you plan, it’s easier to stay on track with your goals and ensure you have time to take care of yourself.
Plan for Emergencies
If you like traveling with your kids, you should be prepared for unexpected situations. For instance, ensure you have a handy first aid kit and know the nearest hospital’s location in an emergency. In the planning stage of every travel, identify pediatric urgent care centers nearby and keep their contact information handy. That way, if an accident or injury occurs, you’ll know exactly where to go and get immediate medical attention for your kids. Urgent care is needed, especially when kids are on the move and in unfamiliar locations. With this, you’ll be sure that you will get medical attention any time of the day.
Additionally, always stay mindful of your surroundings—paying attention to signs of danger or hazardous terrain is essential when traveling with kids. If you are in a location that’s unfamiliar to you, take the time to research it thoroughly before visiting. That way, you’ll be better prepared and can make sure your family is safe. If you have doubts about the place, it’s better to play it safe and choose another destination.
Be Flexible
Life doesn’t always go according to plan—especially when little ones are involved! So be prepared for last-minute changes and surprises if trying to manage an active lifestyle with kids. This could include making a quick detour to the store or rescheduling an activity due to bad weather. Learn how to roll with the punches and adjust your plans when needed without getting frustrated. It can be difficult, but you must stay calm and flexible when traveling with kids so they don’t feel overwhelmed or anxious. Also, when your kids see how calmly you handle a minor inconvenience, they’ll learn to take things in stride.
While it can be difficult to juggle a busy lifestyle with children, achieving harmony between the two is entirely possible. With some creative problem-solving and careful planning ahead of time, you can still pursue your dreams while keeping your families happy at the same time. So go out there and get after it—your health (and sanity!) depends on it!