I had this up on my Facebook but posting it here with some modifications.
I don't mean to boast- but I realize that my children are very fit and athletic. They all run faster than me and Caleb can even stand and do squats on a stability ball. Caleb learned to bike before age 4- I never taught him how and the other two learned how to bike before age 4 1/2. I knew that my children were fairly athletic, but not how much-until I put them in baseball last year- first organized sports they have been in. The coach immediately put Caleb, my 11y as a short stop and a pitcher. Caleb ended up going to the All star team One and pitched one of his best- winning 11 to 1. Grant advanced well in batting- he now is able to hit almost every ball and known as one of the faster runner. Truett 7y excelled also- his team did not do well and did not enter the championship tournament, but Truett got invited to be part of a team that won the championship. He ended up with 2 baseball uniforms at the end. Caleb often goes to to recreation center and plays with other boys on basket ball teams, but he is able to beat many of them.
I was really surprised how well they did- because I myself am not a superb athlete, never was and never cared for my children to be one. I just wanted to develop an lifestyle of moving / loving sports and exercise. There are somethings I did to promote that. I believe that they are athletic not only because they are gifted but they have had plenty of opportunities to move while growing up. Every spare moment Caleb and Truett are involved in active play. Grant loves to also but not as much as his brothers. Caleb testifies that he would not have his athletic ability if not for what I did for him. I give God thanks for the wisdom He has given me.
1. I tried to make room for the kids to do active play. I keep little furniture in our living room and children's retreat. In Texas, because of the heat it is impossible to go outside and play at times. I know boys have need to play and be active all the time as I reflect on how my brother Sam grew up. I had little living room furniture and hung no pictures on the wall. I let them play ball, basketball, ride scooter, toy bike, rollerskate inside the house (their uncle provided the hard floors). I have room for them to play indoor baseball, and wrestling. I don't mind the noise- I know moving is good for them. Most kids today grow up sedentary and putting themselves at risk for all kinds of diseases.
2. I modeled a love for exercise before my children. During our family vacations, we are always going on a hike- long ones. We recently went on 6 mile hike at Stone Mountain Georgia twice and for my anniversary, 7 1/2 mile hike. Exercising is my relaxation time.
3. I do not over protect the children. I know most parents are afraid to let their children play outside on their own- I can not always be their for them- I have to trust God to take care of them. When Caleb hit 9/10 - I let him go outside play with neighborhood kids- basketball, football, biking. I also let Caleb and his brothers go to the creek by themselves and catch fish and do nature study on their own. They have to walk a very steep hill when coming back home.
4. Started a garden at the community garden. It is the children's plot- so I pay them a little for their harvest. When I told them I have to charge them $.50 for driving them there, Grant wanted to start biking there which is 2 1/2 miles away. So we are doing that now. They also have their own plots in our backyard. I want to give them a very practical hobby that they can carry with them for a life time.
5. We have a trampoline, dome climber in our backyard (again provided by generous Uncle).
6. Currently, the boys run 2 1/2 - 3 miles a day with me 4 days a week. they all run faster than me now.
7. We have a limit on TV and videos - no more than 1 hr on the weekends. TV watching, video games is highly correlated with obesity and developing sedentary lifestyle in children.
I don't know what God will do with their athletic skill- but I pray God may be glorified through their gifts. I heard of one man going down to the poor and setting up sports clinic for the kids and then building relationship and sharing God's Word with them as well. Maybe something like this? I don't know. I place them in His hands.
Not all children can be athletic, but can be fit and healthy with help from mom and dad!
No comments:
Post a Comment