Smart Step!® Games

Five Simple Steps to a Healthier, Happier Family

You’ve made a decision; you and your kids aren’t going to sit around anymore - you’re going to get active! So where do you start? Well, it’s a lot easier than it looks! These five simple steps will get you started on the road to a healthier, happier family!

1. Set a good example.

Your kids look to you as a role model, which means if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, chances are, your kids will, too. Set a good example by getting active and talking positively about exercise and health. Your kids will take notice and likely follow in your footsteps.

2. Stress activity, not exercise.

Being healthy doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or regimented exercise plans. The CDC recommends that children get a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Fitting in physical activity can be as simple as substituting outdoor kid’s games, like Hide & Seek, for video games or turning on some music and dancing around the living room.

3. Take baby steps.

Don’t try to make too many changes at once. Take small steps to introduce activity into your routine, like parking a little further out at the grocery store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can add more activity as your family becomes more fit.

4. Do it together.

Make getting fit a family affair. Play inside or outside together, take walks, go on bike rides, fly kites, or run through the sprinkler on a hot summer day. Being physically active is good for your body, but it can also be a lot of fun, especially when you do it together.

5. Celebrate success.

Treat becoming fit just as you would any goal, and reward yourself when you succeed. Give your family members positive feedback when they participate in physical activities, and encourage them to try new and different activities.