Fit Moms Fit Families!

My daughter is about to hit puberty. While it is normal for many girls to put on some extra fat when making the transition to puberty there may be another reason girls gain weight at this time. This is about the age when girls stop playing. I recognize this is normal but I find it sad.

Most boys have a solution for the I-am-too-old-to-play issue. They play sports and that keeps them active. The good news is: many of our girls are becoming involved in organized sports and that is helping. However, organized practices aren’t often enough or active enough to make up for all of the sedentary time. Boys have also solved this one. They start pick-up games with other neighborhood boys. Girls don’t.

Active play that was fun for girls begins to make the transition to necessary exercise is work. I don’t want it to be that way for my daughter. I want her to be active and for it to be a joy.

My solution is to spend 20 or 30 minutes most evenings doing something active with my daughter. Yesterday the weather was perfect in our hometown of Norcross, Georgia. Claudia and I pulled out our yoga mats and did yoga in the driveway. We had a wonderful, bonding time together.

Although our girls will hit puberty and most will begin to be sedentary, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can find joyful ways to be active with our daughters. The bonuses are: it strengthens our relationships and it is physically good for us, too.

I would love for you to share an activity you might enjoy with your daughter in the comments section.

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