Three Ways to Keep Kids Active #MovingMoments

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Huggies and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Having children has made me realize how much more active I’ve become. Since I was born and raised in New York, I would walk everywhere! There really is no need for cars when you live in the city. I commuted to school and walked to the train station every day. Now that I have two kids I feel it is important to exercise more to get fit and healthy. My 6 year old son has always been a little boy who wants to be on the go, go, go… moving all the time. He was hyper and full of energy. I needed to keep up with him so going outside to play in the yard, playground, riding bikes, or putting him in sports was essential.

1. Letting them enjoy sports they love – don’t force them

I learned early that it is important to listen to your child when they play sports. Forcing them to play a certain sport can negatively impact their desire to stay active. I remember in one occasion where we put my son in soccer. He told us he did not want to play. We asked him to at least give it a chance. He still complained that he wanted to play baseball not soccer. Needless to say he did not go back the following season and we put him in baseball where he has blossomed. My husband has played baseball pretty much all his life and my son wants to  be just like daddy. I saw how important it is to have a sport a child likes to play because it may keep them from wanting to be more active.

2. Showing them that exercise is essential

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We always share with the kids the importance of being fit and staying healthy. We’ve started watching what we eat and paying attention to the ingredients found in packaged foods. We tell both our children that exercising is essential for staying healthy. My son sees daddy playing baseball as an adult which shows him that even as an adult staying active is important. They see me going to the gym or jogging around the neighborhood with my neighbors. We encourage them to go outside and ride their bikes or scooters.

3. Exercising as a family

I think this is especially important. How can we expect our children to stay active and healthy if we don’t do the same? My family is constantly on the go. My husband is an outdoorsy guy and loves going camping, kayaking, riding bikes, or hiking. We go as a family to do many of those things – it not only gives us exercise we need but also allows us to bond as a family. During the hot summer months we go swimming a lot! We love that it is refreshing but also gives us exercise!

The good news is that many companies are getting involved in supporting an active lifestyle. Huggies has partnered with leading fitness movement expert, Nikki Glor, and MyGym to encourage parents to keep moving. Huggies now has New Double Grip Strips – soft Velcro strips on the sides of front diaper panel for a comfortable fit over time. Allowing babies and toddlers to move, move, move without constriction.

You can find Huggies® Little Movers in grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide. Before you go grab a $2.00 off coupon by visiting Huggies.com/moments and uploading a photo or video of your baby’s best moves! You’ll get the chance to be featured on the Huggies Facebook page.

Want to win an amazing prize pack from Huggies?

• Pack of Diapers
• Pack of Wipes
• Red gym/tote bag
• Re-usable plastic water bottle
• My Gym Class Gift Certificate
• NikkiFitness DVD

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Giveaway is sponsored by Huggies and fulfillment may take up to 8 weeks.