Our Children follow in our footsteps...

[Jill Harju]

After reading todays post by Paul, I sank into deep thaught. Our children follow directly in our footsteps. My sons life will probably mirror my own, as my life mirrors that of my parents. I grew up in a rural area, as a matter of fact the exact same area both my parents grew up in, and in my raising we were taught of outdoor fun. We didn't have cable t.v. or satellite, there was no internet and the most high tech we had for games were coleco vision and Atari. In the summer we played with absolutely no aim, we had fun poking at sap bubbles on the balsam trees, rolling in the grass, riding bikes, climbing trees and building forts. In the winter we played with just as much abandon, sliding, making snowmen and snowforts, skating on the creek and of course snow angels. Looking back we were unintentionally active...and in hind sight it was all because our parents encouraged us to live actively.

Both my parents are overweight, my dad is diabetic and has had a massive heart attack. Even though they were overweight they were still moderatly active, my mom walked daily and my dad was a self made logger who cut with a chainsaw and skidded out with an old timberjack (no automated machinery) Doctors say that is what saved my dads life.

I strive to continue those teachings of making physical activity fun. I do not encourge my son to become engulfed by video games. Rather I taught him to ride a bicycle and am in the process of teaching him how to roller blade. Our diet deffinatley needs to be remodeled a touch but all in all I would be honored if my son followed in my footsteps.