Play provides balance in our lives, an opportunity to achieve our full potential, and gain life satisfaction. Active Living is a way of life that connects the mind, body and spirit in physical activity, and is a form of play. It's pursuing activities that are interesting and appealing, such as walking, cycling, exploring, discovering, or working at chores or a hobby. "A child learns through play the creative skills and perspectives essential to a full and productive life." - Interprovincial Sport & Recreation Council For families, Active Living is an opportunity to connect, to share pleasurable and health-enhancing experiences. Research shows that physical activity can help neutralize tension in families and help individuals build resistance to stress. Because physical activity is a vital cornerstone to good health, this pattern of health behavior is learned early in life. Through Active Living children learn social skills in early play experiences which help develop physical stamina, and specific sport or recreation skills. Active Living is intellectually stimulating for children and enhances the learning process as well as the development of cognitive skills. Parents are Role Models ... Kids learn health behaviors early, especially from their parents or other influential role models. Start setting a good example. How do your lifestyle habits shape up? If you want your kids to grow up healthy, strong and self-fulfilled, start by looking at yourselves as parents. Are you smokers? Are your eating, living, or work habits something you want your children to emulate? For many young couples, lifestyle changes begin when they have children. health and Active Living is a positive lifestyle for young families. Living actively requires no special financial investment, and provides a creative and healthy foundation to build bonds and share mutually-satisfying experiences. Kids can learn early that taking care of their bodies can help prevent disease and can contribute to an enjoyable and meaningful life. 3 Steps to Positive Family Living ... Live Actively Take time to enjoy an active, outdoor life together., Regular physical activity is healthy for everyone in the family. Kids who log in plenty of play and activity, perform better at school, have better social skills and a heightened sense of self-esteem. Eat Nutritiously Proper nutrition affects children mentally and physical. Remove junk food temptations and make wholesome foods appealing and available. Children need a well-balanced diet and sufficient calories to fuel their high-energy demands. Follow the Canada Food Guide. Take Time To Talk Begin early to establish solid and trusting communication habits. While parents cannot remove all of their children's anxieties, they can be a reliable source of moral support and guidance. Combining intimate time with your children one-on-one, during a walk, perhaps, or some other form of physical activity is a positive health practice.