1. You will never hear me command my children to slow down or stop running... unless they are running toward danger such as into traffic or off of a cliff. Running down a steep hill or over rocky terrain does not qualify as dangerous territory. When I see my four-year-old run, a smile instantly spreads across my face, and I cheer! "Looking good!" or "You're so fast!" are positive phrases that encourage Avie's, and all children's, biological drive to feel the wind upon his face and speed within his soul. Humans were born to run, and children inherently know it and do it so well. Therefore, allowing our children the freedom of expressing such a desire lifts their spirits and fulfills their soul.
2. Physical activity tops our daily activities. When I return from a run, I feel settled, refreshed, motivated and joyful. Children feel the same boost of endorphins after engaging in rhythmic, full-body exercise. In the same way that running keeps me balanced, running keeps my four-year-old son's energy levels in check. He is more content, at ease, less reactive and calmer after moving his body in a mindful way (so long as he has plenty of water to drink throughout his runs). When emotions are running high in my household, a run or something equally as physically stimulating is often just the antidote we need.
3. Running gives us a reason to travel, explore and be outside regardless of weather. We are an outdoor-loving family! Running supports this love. Recently we spontaneously took a two-night camping trip, with one rainy night, to a state park because a 5K trail race was taking place, and I wanted to participate. The race brought us outside, in communion with good people and friends AND to a new place, a triple win (not to mention my win of first place female in the race!). In two more weeks, we're going camping because of a 5.22-mile trail race that I'll be running in a state park we've never explored. All in all, running allows an opportunity for my family to unwind while learning about, appreciating and enjoying nature, which offers the ultimate sensory experience, provides life skills and keeps kids thriving, according to the Patagonia article How We Can Inspire Children to be Stewards of the Planet.
2. Physical activity tops our daily activities. When I return from a run, I feel settled, refreshed, motivated and joyful. Children feel the same boost of endorphins after engaging in rhythmic, full-body exercise. In the same way that running keeps me balanced, running keeps my four-year-old son's energy levels in check. He is more content, at ease, less reactive and calmer after moving his body in a mindful way (so long as he has plenty of water to drink throughout his runs). When emotions are running high in my household, a run or something equally as physically stimulating is often just the antidote we need.
3. Running gives us a reason to travel, explore and be outside regardless of weather. We are an outdoor-loving family! Running supports this love. Recently we spontaneously took a two-night camping trip, with one rainy night, to a state park because a 5K trail race was taking place, and I wanted to participate. The race brought us outside, in communion with good people and friends AND to a new place, a triple win (not to mention my win of first place female in the race!). In two more weeks, we're going camping because of a 5.22-mile trail race that I'll be running in a state park we've never explored. All in all, running allows an opportunity for my family to unwind while learning about, appreciating and enjoying nature, which offers the ultimate sensory experience, provides life skills and keeps kids thriving, according to the Patagonia article How We Can Inspire Children to be Stewards of the Planet.
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