Eat Well Be Active - Healthy Kids for LifeActive grandparenting
By adopting an active, healthy lifestyle and encouraging your grandchildren to do the same, you will help them build concentration, manage stress, become more confident and develop healthy habits.
"The times I spend with my grandchildren are very special," says Jan Everingham, a grandmother of three from The Gap in Brisbane.
"Being active together by going for walks, playing ball games outside or sharing indoor games is a great way to build relationships and memories for the future."
There are many enjoyable activities that grandparents and grandchildren can share to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many can be done at home or through a preschool, school or sporting club and are either free or inexpensive for seniors, pensioners and children.
Sharing a healthy, active lifestyle
Learning with your grandchildren can be fun! Here are some healthy activities you can do together.
- Go for a walk or play active games in your local park. Practise skills with your grandchildren such as throwing, catching and kicking. You will both soon feel the benefits of these activities.
- Establish a garden together with fast-growing plants such as herbs, small vegetables or flowers. Children enjoy seeing a garden grow as well as being able to use or eat the plants they have cultivated.
- Plan meals using recipes and foods that your grandchildren enjoy. Share the memories of your own childhood with them while preparing and serving these dishes. You will be encouraging your grandchildren to eat healthily and also teaching your grandchildren about family history.
- Ask older grandchildren to help you cook a family meal. Include them in menu planning and shopping if you can. Discuss the health benefits of ingredients as you write lists, shop and prepare.
- Ride a bike with your grandchildren. If you live in a residential area that has dedicated bike paths, start slowly, build up your cycling skills and remember to always wear a helmet.
- Good health is also achieved through relaxation. Borrow a video or DVD on tai chi or yoga from your local library and practise the movements with your grandchildren at home.
- Go bushwalking and try camping, even if it means just setting up a tent in your backyard.
Further information
- Telephone:
- 1300 135 500 (cost of a local call)†
- Website:
- www.seniors.gov.au
†Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.
Last updated: 20 June 2008.