by Todd Pheifer

Created on: February 23, 2008

TIME TO BREAK OUT THE RUNNING GEAR

Grandparents are not necessarily going to be chasing their grandchildren around at full speed, but they can certainly exercise with them to a certain extent. Kids love any sort of motion, and it can be very fun for children when their grandparents are active. The active grandparent can make a strong impression on the grandchild and build memories for later years when the grandparents are gone. In addition, everyone needs to exercise sometimes and doing it to build relationships creates a benefit on multiple levels. Here are some specific benefits when grandparents exercise with their grandchildren.

BONDING TIME

The first benefit is bonding or relational development between the grandparent and the grandchild. Building a relationship between the two can be beneficial for both parties as grandparents get to enjoy their grandchildren, and the grandchildren get to learn from the wisdom and experience of their grandparents. This relationship can grow just by talking and spending time together, but children are active by nature and enjoy throwing the ball and running around. Granted, a grandparent may not be in good enough shape to keep up, but at least they may be able to go for walks with their grandchildren. Grandparents are special people to children, so any activity that they participate in can be very meaningful for the child.

MODELING GOOD BEHAVIOR

Another benefit to grandparents exercising with grandchildren is that it models behavioral habits that the children are more prone to embrace as they get older. An active grandparent who keeps exercising is a great example for a child. Furthermore, it is likely that they will remember their active grandparents, as the children get older. For myself, I can point to activities I did with my Grandpa and say, "I remember the time when Grandpa and I..." This may make them be more likely to exercise themselves when they become grandparents.

EXTENSION OF LIFE

Grandparents do not live forever, but exercising may prolong their life a bit more so that they can enjoy their grandchildren for a few more years. The years when grandchildren are young but are old enough to remember their grandparents are crucial. Studies have shown that active people do indeed live longer, and exercising can help the grandparents stay as active participants in their grandchildren's lives, rather than passive observers.

Exercising is a great activity for people of all ages. When grandparents exercise with their grandchildren, it creates a time to bond, it models good behavior, and it may extend the life of the grandparent so they can enjoy their family for a longer period of time. Grandparents should not assume that they are past the stage where they can enjoy certain activities with their grandchildren.

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