Fit Kids

Fitness isn’t really optional in our family, it’s just a way of life. But, as the mom of 3 hockey boys, I can certainly appreciate the cost of keeping our kids active. Each time I pay those registration fees or see the bill for yet another replacement piece of equipment, I’ll admit, I groan. We are fortunate to have so many options for our kids these days. I thought it might be interesting to look at the price tag attached to some of them. After all, this will definitely play a role in the choices we make.

Football, curling, swimming, rugby, track and field, skiing, dance, snowboarding … the list goes on and on. Living in Canada, I thought it best to look at hockey, figure skating and lacrosse or risk being thrown out of the country! I thought soccer and baseball might round out the list. My ever –so-scientific research (calling my friends, various organizations and scouring the internet!) was quite an eye opener for me. The cost can range significantly depending on your level of play and equipment choices. I’ve tried to give you a basic cost for an 11-year old, with some “cautionary” notes about where it could lead if your child is really good! It almost makes you want to stick with the fitness goal and hope for mediocrity!

The bottom line is, don’t let the figures hold you back. There is relief in sight.

● If you have a child 16 years of age or younger, the federal government offers you a 15% non-refundable tax credit (15% of up to $500 dollars per year per child) to offset the fitness costs. In 2010, Ontario will offer a 7.5% credit as well on a broader range of fitness and arts. Your province may offer something comparable.
● Check out your local Play It Again, you can get great deals on gently used equipment. Some leagues also have equipment swap days.
● It’s OK to borrow, and re-use equipment! For us, it’s one of the advantages of having 3 boys, as well as older and younger boy cousins!
● Some organizations have access to fee assistance programs. It never hurts to ask.
● Take advantage of early bird registrations.
● Take advantage of discounts for more than one child, or family rate caps.
● Arrange to have neighbourhood kids on the same team where possible. You can share rides.
● It’s free to play outside! Remember kick the can and home base?
● Organize a neighbourhood ball hockey game, or shoot some hoops with your child.

According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation, more than 1 in 4 kids in Canada are considered overweight or obese. The Canadian Diabetes Association tells us 1 in every 3 (yikes!) American children born in 2000 will likely be diagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime and similar rates are anticipated for Canadian children. These are numbers I just can’t live with, how about you?