8 Ways to Encourage Your Kids To Be Physically Active

Did you know that only one out of every four kids ends up getting the recommended amount of exercise per day? Participation in activities drop as your child ages, so you have to make sure that it is a part of their lives growing up. This will encourage them to carry on with it, and it will also encourage them to enjoy it more too. If you want to find out more, then simply look below.

Talk with your Doctor

The first thing that you need to do is sit down and talk with your child’s doctor. You need to understand why physical activity is important for them and you also need to be able to identify which sports or activities are most suited to them. You also need to know their limits, and if there are any local sporting groups they can join. Your doctor can also talk you through how to give your child a healthy diet so that you can give them the help and support they need to grow up to be happy and healthy.

Put a Focus on Fun

Another thing that you need to do is try and put a focus on fun. Help your child to find a sport that your child is going to enjoy. The more that they are able to enjoy a sporting activity, the more likely they will be to stick at it. Get the entire family involved if you can as this is a fantastic way for you to all spend time with one another. If you know that a lot of family members love basketball, then why not choose a sport that will help them to take part in this as well? If you can choose a family activity, then this will really help you to give them the support they need to feel as though it’s all a positive experience.

Choose an Activity that is Appropriate

It’s essential that you choose an activity that is appropriate from a developmental point of view. For example, a 7-year-old child might not be ready for weightlifting. They might not be ready for a 3-mile run either, but if you look at activities such as soccer, bike riding or even swimming, you may find that these are all very good options. If you can, it’s so important that you plan ahead as you need to make sure that your child has the time to exercise properly. If you are constantly dragging them away from their activity, then this will not work well for their motivation.

Safe Environment

You also need to make sure that you put in the work to give your child a safe environment when your child is playing and using their equipment. You have to make sure that the clothing they are wearing is safe and appropriate for what they are doing. You also need to make sure that they are not going to hurt themselves by wearing unsuitable footwear. If your child has a hard time tying their shoelaces, make sure that you put them in Velcro shoes when playing sport, as it means that they can fasten them by themselves.

Active Toys

Young children especially, really do need access to balls and even jump ropes. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can give them the best possible experience when they decide to partake in sports.  Of course, things like this are very easy to find, and if you want to take things to that next level, then you could easily create an active box. If you want to do this, then you need to buy a storage container, and then you need to try and put a huge range of toys in there. When you do this, you can then give them a lot of variety when it comes to their playing experience.

Be a Role Model

Children who see their parents enjoying sport or other types of physical activity are often far more likely to try and participate in physical activity themselves. Try and be a role model and take the time to set an example if you can. It is wise for you to look into 10 fun backyard games the whole family will enjoy. Remember you can also go on a hike, or you can teach them how to ride a bike.

Set Limits

It is a very good idea for you to limit screen time if you can. Limit the amount of time they spend watching television and playing games, while also ensuring that you help them to free up time for physical activities if possible. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can give them the support they need.

Make Time for Exercise

Some children become over scheduled with music lessons, homework and more, that they simply do not have to exer­­cise. If possible, you need to help them to find time by making it fun. You need to try and use it as a way to unwind and destress, as this is a great way for you to give them the support they need. If your child is becoming too overwhelmed, then try and take note of this and do not push them more than they need. If you can do this, then you can keep exercise enjoyable and you can also help them to view it as a fun thing to do.

Of course, there are many things that you can do to try and make exercise fun for your kids and if you follow this guide, then you’ll soon find that it is easier than ever for you to give them the support they need to have the best time. You can also help them to be more physically active, and if you can teach them to love this from a young age, then you may find that it gives them lifelong benefits, so it’s certainly worth trying to set them up for success today if you possibly can.

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