4 ideas for keeping fit while babysitting your grandchildren
Many young grandparents provide childcare for their grandchildren these days, especially if the parents work irregular hours. If you’re one of these babysitting grandparents, that time with the little ones can be an opportunity for you to keep active and get some exercise. You have several options, depending on your grandchildren’s ages.
Take some inspiration from these ideas.
Partner classes. Many “parent-child” classes work just as well for active grandparent-grandchild pairs. Aqua fitness, stroller cardio, yoga, dance and karate all offer you the chance to move together. Find out about classes offered near where you babysit and get the parents’ permission before signing up.
Active games. Games like tag, musical chairs, dance video games (like Just Dance) or movement-based virtual reality games help you burn calories while having fun.
Outdoor sports. As long as the weather is pleasant, you can take advantage of outdoor sports. Skating, hockey, baseball, soccer, biking or playing Frisbee—there are so many ways to get your heart pumping in the fresh air.
Friendly battles. Snowball fights, water-gun battles, foam-dart games, laser tag or even pillow fights can leave everyone very out of breath and laughing. Make sure everyone stays safe with the right protective gear, such as goggles or helmets.
Whether your grandchildren are eight months old or 12 years old, getting active with them on a regular basis helps them develop healthy lifestyle habits—and it keeps you feeling younger too. Ready, set, go!