To make my kids do a 2 mile jog every mornIng?

[loopyluna]

They are 12, 10 and 6 and are already on holiday for 8 weeks. They are all pretty hyper and sporty. Bouncing on the trampoline, bike riding and swimming at the outdoor pool doesn't seem to be taking it out of them so I've decided that a nice morning jog would be a good way to kick off the day and help burn off a but more energy.
They moan a bit when I tell them to put down their ipods/ switch off the telly and get on their trainers but haven't put up much of a fight and seem to enjoy it

If they enjoy it then there's no problem !

Sounds like a good idea to me!

Yep, it sounds like a good idea to keep fit.

Drat -fat fingers!
Sorry, was saying, they seen to have fun once we get out. It's good exercise for me too!

My neighbour saw us today and later commented that I was trying to "do them in!" She said my youngest woukd be exhausted and I should go easy on her. I replied that she's a very fit 6 year old and needed the exercise but neighbour looked bemused and mumbled that kids should be relaxing in their hols... (The run lasts about 20 mins in total so they still have a lot of day left...)

AIBU and a pushy parent?

I don't think going out as a family and running for twenty minutes is being a pushy parent, no. I think far too many people are happy to be lazy.

Exercise isn't some evil bad thing, it's good for us and fun. I think it's really good if you encourage a healthy attitude towards being outside and active.

I think it's a great idea and if I could run I would be doing it when my kids are older

I'm sure if your 6 year old was finding it a struggle, you would spot it yourself. Your neighbour is just anxious that you are going away from her comfy norm, and worried that it means perhaps she should be doing more exercise herself! lol

YANBU if they enjoy it. Mine are 5&3 and we walk about 5 miles a day to help tire them out!

I belong to a running forum, the general feeling is that if the children find it fun, can manage well and you allow them to stop for breaks/drinks of needed then go for it!

I don't understand people who complain about this type of thing, if more children were taught about fitness and activity then the UK would be in a much better situation.

I think it is a great idea.

no - that is too much for your 6 yr old and 8 yr old. young children shouldn't run for more than about a mile, even if are capable of doing so. it is to do with concerns about bone growth and can be very damaging. until they are about 11, they shouldn't run more than a mile or a mile and a half max. i am a runner and my DS is desperate to join me running, but he is only 5. he breezed the sports relief mile, beating many adults and begged me to let him do a 5k. i asked a group of running coaches locally and without exception they all said not to let him do it. and the advice was - no more than a mile, and preferably no more than half a mile regularly at his age. and to be very cautious up to the age of 11.

Can you take my DD (18 mo) I can't keep up and she would love to run and run.

and i know you are probably all going to say - what about all the african kids who run 10k each way to school every day... i asked that too. but the advice was still not to let them do it regularly when they are young.

oops, sorry - see you have a 12 and a 10yr old not an 8yr old. i would say, the 12 and 10 yr old should be ok to do it, as long as you are careful with the 10 yr old. perhaps not every day... can the 6 yr old scoot or go on a bike?

My 7 year old goes for a much longer run with dh once a week and can't wait to do it. She loves it!

I did 2 mile + runs with running club when I was 8 - to no ill effect. Think if your child can cope with it, it's fine.

NoNoNoMYDoIt - maybe, I will get dh to cut down his run with her. Not appreciated that point. Thanks.

It's a great idea. I hope DS will like running so he can come out with us.

Two miles in 20 minutes is pretty good too.

i think the thing is the frequency. as a weekly activity, it is probably ok. if you are really going to do it every day - that isn't going to be ideal for your 6 yr old.

Oh, just read NoNoNo's post. Will try a mile at a time then.

That said - I wouldn't run on a road. I went running with dd from the age of 9 - but we only ran on cycle paths/old railway lines/beaches etc together. Running on pavements buggered my shins so would expect it wouldn't be a good idea for youngsters every day tbh.

I wonder what the average mileage is of a 6 year old on a daily basis. Mine does not stop running around. He plays football and I am pretty sure he does way more than a couple of miles when doing that.....

I may have to conduct an experiment on him.