How to encourage physical activity

[Artsand crafts]

You mention that they walk a lot with you. My dck, too. The little ones (15 to 16 mos) walk for about 20 to 30 min for field trips about 4 days per week. The older ones (2yo) about 45 to 60 min both ways. That is a good exercise too. All of the other kids move around a lot when outdoors in top of the walking, except this girl (at least I think she is having a good exercise by walking 20 to 30 min almost very day). She is less active than the others, but still much better than when she started. I guess it has to do with how in shape they are or the way of how they are getting in shape. If your 4 yo dcg is carried everywhere in the stroller and she is allowed to watch too much TV at home it seems she is not getting too exercise often outside daycare hours. IMO If parents aren't encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits we as daycare providers can only offer opportunities to practice their gross motor skills and healthy meals during their time with us, but we cannot force them to be active and eat.

[AmandaKDT]

You mention that they walk a lot with you. My dck, too. The little ones (15 to 16 mos) walk for about 20 to 30 min for field trips about 4 days per week. The older ones (2yo) about 45 to 60 min both ways. That is a good exercise too. All of the other kids move around a lot when outdoors in top of the walking, except this girl (at least I think she is having a good exercise by walking 20 to 30 min almost very day). She is less active than the others, but still much better than when she started. I guess it has to do with how in shape they are or the way of how they are getting in shape. If your 4 yo dcg is carried everywhere in the stroller and she is allowed to watch too much TV at home it seems she is not getting too exercise often outside daycare hours. IMO If parents aren't encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits we as daycare providers can only offer opportunities to practice their gross motor skills and healthy meals during their time with us, but we cannot force them to be active and eat.

I agree with what you are saying. I've been thinking about it all day and I don't really think I can do much more than what I am. It is apparent the level of fitness between her and the other ones. I really put effort into making sure my own kids are active, watch limited TV and eat a variety of foods - therefore my daycare kids get the same thing (other than the food since I don't provide it). It is really hard to watch other people's kids raised differently - knowing that a 3 year old is regularly fed Lucky Charms and pop makes me feel sad. I guess I care too much, if that is a bad thing!