Today I ventured into uncharted territory. I have decided that this year I will not stay safe in my house but I will try to meet at least a couple of people in this town that (let's face it) I will be living in for the next 10 years at least.
A friend of mine suggested that I volunteer at the kids school. If you know me at all- I avoid volunteering for my kids activities for a few reasons. One of them is that I have 3 kids and if I volunteer for one I must volunteer for all! Another reason is that I just feel awkward being around people I don't know and I don't really know many people in this town. With that being said, she recommended that I volunteer for recess runners. This is a program where the kids run around the playground in a loop and after six loops they have run a mile. I thought this would be perfect for me so I signed up first only for Lexi's recess time (mostly because I knew when it was). When Ryan found out, he wanted me to volunteer for his as well. Lucky for me their recesses are back to back so every Tuesday from 11:45-12:45 I committed to being a helper.
I won't lie, I was extremely nervous today when I arrived at Baker school. I have helped out before with runners club when Ashley was in elementary school but it was before school so it didn't have that big of a turnout!
So... I arrived a bit early and when the bell rang out came the third grade! This age was more the "cool kids". Some of them did participate but not all of them and most didn't do the entire 6 laps. I think maybe if they had a reward every month that they would get more third graders. As a mom of one I know that bribery works wonders.
After third grade, it was time for the kindergarteners and who was the first kid out on the field? Why my Lexi Lu of course!!!
I could not have been more shocked!! She ran her lap and then I encouraged her to do another which was better than the one she did last week. By far, the kindergarteners were my favorite!!! They were so cute running around the field and they all just wanted to do it! The boys were competitive with each other and the girls walked holding hands but I was blown away by how much they just enjoyed moving!
It made me think a lot about adults and in particular people who look at exercise like its the worst thing you could ask them to do. I wonder when they lost the joy of just getting out and moving that they had in kindergarten.
These kids brightened my day and I can't wait to go back next week and cheer them on! I wish everyone I met was as thrilled to exercise as they were. The obesity epidemic in children hurts my heart so badly. Adults can take responsibility for their own actions but kids are just doing what they are told and what they see modeled for them. I am not an a soapbox! I am not the best eater and I have many things that I do wrong when it comes to the health of my kids. I just want to help these kids know that exercise isn't the enemy!! That even just walking around the playground six times can be fun and make you feel amazing!
When we lived in Florida I was always amazed that gyms didn't let kids workout. I know it's a huge liability but who is going to help them develop the good habits early on? Gym class is often a very uncomfortable place for many kids and running is used as a punishment!
I have tons of ideas and no clue how to do all of my crazy big dreams but I guess volunteering at the school is a start!
A friend of mine suggested that I volunteer at the kids school. If you know me at all- I avoid volunteering for my kids activities for a few reasons. One of them is that I have 3 kids and if I volunteer for one I must volunteer for all! Another reason is that I just feel awkward being around people I don't know and I don't really know many people in this town. With that being said, she recommended that I volunteer for recess runners. This is a program where the kids run around the playground in a loop and after six loops they have run a mile. I thought this would be perfect for me so I signed up first only for Lexi's recess time (mostly because I knew when it was). When Ryan found out, he wanted me to volunteer for his as well. Lucky for me their recesses are back to back so every Tuesday from 11:45-12:45 I committed to being a helper.
I won't lie, I was extremely nervous today when I arrived at Baker school. I have helped out before with runners club when Ashley was in elementary school but it was before school so it didn't have that big of a turnout!
So... I arrived a bit early and when the bell rang out came the third grade! This age was more the "cool kids". Some of them did participate but not all of them and most didn't do the entire 6 laps. I think maybe if they had a reward every month that they would get more third graders. As a mom of one I know that bribery works wonders.
After third grade, it was time for the kindergarteners and who was the first kid out on the field? Why my Lexi Lu of course!!!
I could not have been more shocked!! She ran her lap and then I encouraged her to do another which was better than the one she did last week. By far, the kindergarteners were my favorite!!! They were so cute running around the field and they all just wanted to do it! The boys were competitive with each other and the girls walked holding hands but I was blown away by how much they just enjoyed moving!
It made me think a lot about adults and in particular people who look at exercise like its the worst thing you could ask them to do. I wonder when they lost the joy of just getting out and moving that they had in kindergarten.
These kids brightened my day and I can't wait to go back next week and cheer them on! I wish everyone I met was as thrilled to exercise as they were. The obesity epidemic in children hurts my heart so badly. Adults can take responsibility for their own actions but kids are just doing what they are told and what they see modeled for them. I am not an a soapbox! I am not the best eater and I have many things that I do wrong when it comes to the health of my kids. I just want to help these kids know that exercise isn't the enemy!! That even just walking around the playground six times can be fun and make you feel amazing!
When we lived in Florida I was always amazed that gyms didn't let kids workout. I know it's a huge liability but who is going to help them develop the good habits early on? Gym class is often a very uncomfortable place for many kids and running is used as a punishment!
I have tons of ideas and no clue how to do all of my crazy big dreams but I guess volunteering at the school is a start!
What do you think about this topic?? I would love to hear some of your thoughts on childhood obesity and how we can combat it?
No comments:
Post a Comment