Children Are Good For Your Heart

I like to say that my children are the best in the world -- except for yours.

Recently, I discovered another reason why.

Children Are Good For Your Heart

I had started worrying about getting enough exercise and staying in shape. (Feeling juicy in the body is so important for everyone's well-being -- not just single moms.)

It's not just a single mom thing. Sadly, most contemporary lifestyles don't lend themselves to juiciness. Take, for example, the well-paying desk job. Not exactly a butt firmer.

I must have said something to the kids, because, one day, on the way to school (I sold my car to save money -- a San Francisco luxury, to be sure), Hank piped up with, "Mommy, you walk 3.2 miles per day."

He was, indeed, correct. On the days I have the children, I walk to and from their school at least twice, for a total of 3.2 miles. (I know because the children insisted I Google map the route to school. They are curious critters.)

Ahead of the Game

I'm the kind of person who likes to feel ahead of the game, so I thought, wonderful! At least 2 and half days per week, I'm getting decent exercise (which may explain why, despite sitting in front of a computer all day, my jeans still fit).

This positive message coming from an 11 year-old motivated me to take breaks from my computer a couple of times a day. I set my timer for fifteen minutes and walk in any direction that takes my fancy, which clears my head and adds about 3 miles of walking on my non-kid days. It feels very efficient and, I think, is good not only for my heart, but my mental state, neck and eyes as well.

Kids often share clear-sighted and optimistic "crazy wisdom," meaning wisdom that is unexpected or, shall we say, unconventional. Their little brains are always on the go, just like their little bodies.

But There's More

Recently, I was late picking the children up from school (this is a single mom thing -- you work until the last minute!) and had to run from my house to the school.

I managed .8 miles in 12 minutes, including all of the stairs leading to the playground in Alta Plaza Park. I was happily surprised at how good it felt, not only to be on time, but to move my body like that.

The Bonus

Then, of course, there's this: My boys love sports and being active in general. On good days, we go out and throw a baseball around or play football. Recently, they added soccer to their repertoire and basketball is just around the corner.

Yesterday, on the way home from school, they challenged me to do pull ups in the playground. On my own, I would never do that (especially, I might add, in public)!

So, you see, my children are good for my heart. And that's without counting the hugs and love I am privileged to enjoy.

Your Turn

Are your children (or your dogs) good for your heart? Of course they are! Now tell us how.