Pro tip: Start a family movement time on Sunday. 🙌
When our kids were little, we began implementing family movement on Sunday afternoons. We’d get home from church, eat, and everyone would rest/take naps. But what would end up happening is that by 4:00, everyone was cranky from laying around. Turns out laying around for hours as “sabbath rest” isn’t always beneficial, and we found that if we got out and moved our bodies a bit as fun, family time, and worship (bc I 100% believe God receives glory in our movement when it’s holy and honoring to Him, not done from a place of slavery but a place of JOY!), everyone’s mood boosted!
Did they all always want to? No. In fact, we had one in particular who dragged his/her feet (no naming names here!). 🤣 BUT…we persisted, and now we all love and recognize the gift and actual need to move on Sundays!
This will look different in various seasons – often it’s done together. Most often these days, it’s some sort of sport. But today, Todd took the boys walking/hunting, my oldest needed a long walk with our dog, and I took the little girls hiking.
Not only is it good for our physical bodies, it’s beneficial for our emotional, mental, and spiritual health as well. I also hope it continues to instill a healthy relationship with my kids and movement.
Today, on the way home, my youngest said, “Mom, I think we earned ice cream.” I never use that language, and I’m not sure where she picked it up, but I immediately replied, “No, you never have to earn ice cream. That’s just a fun treat we get to enjoy occasionally!” Movement doesn’t earn us food, and it’s not punishment for eating. It’s simply a gift we get to enjoy.
How do you like to move as a family? I’d love to hear your ideas!
