By Audrey Sellers
Kids who are physically active tend to be healthier and happier than their less-active peers. They typically get better grades in school, find it easier to concentrate, and report higher levels of self-confidence. Kids need at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, but in today’s digital age, getting them away from their screens can seem like a monumental task.
With some creativity, you can inspire your kids to embrace physical activity and make it a fun and enjoyable part of their daily routine. Consider this your no-nagging guide to getting kids excited about exercise.
Show them how it’s done.
Want your kids to be more active? Lead by example. Go for a family walk after dinner, or let your kids see you practice yoga or lift weights. Kids often emulate their parent’s behavior, so prioritize physical activity in your own life to be a healthy role model.
Establish family fitness traditions.
You could kick off each month with a hike around a local lake or register for the same 5K every year. By making physical activity something you do together, you’ll create shared experiences and form closer bonds.
Offer some variety.
Ask your kids what sports or recreational activities they’d like to try. You might be able to sign up for a free trial class for activities like gymnastics and martial arts. Let your kids try different things and encourage them to pursue what they really like.
Get outdoors.
Encourage your kids to soak up the sunshine while being active outside. Go for a bike ride together or plan a hike where kids can climb and play freely. Check out local lakes for water activities like stand-up paddleboarding to keep things interesting.
Make physical activity fun.
Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. You can make it more entertaining and engaging for kids by turning it into a game. Try setting up an obstacle course with household items like laundry baskets and pillows. Create a scavenger hunt in the backyard or organize a relay race at your neighborhood park.
Tout all the benefits.
Exercising makes you feel energized, mentally sharp, and ready to tackle the world. After a challenging run or cardio session, emphasize that endorphin-fueled rush with your kids. Shift the focus away from physical activity as an obligation and instead emphasize how good it makes you feel physically and mentally.
Set goals and celebrate achievements.
Giving your kids something to work toward can inspire them to stay physically active. Depending on their age, you could challenge them to run a mile in a certain amount of time or complete a set number of push-ups with proper form. When kids reach a new milestone, celebrate their accomplishment with a special outing or small reward, like getting an extra 10 minutes before bedtime.
When kids are physically active, it’s not just about burning off extra energy — it’s about building strong bodies and healthy minds. With a little parental encouragement, you can set them on a path toward a healthy and active lifestyle.
Turn Boring Chores into Fun Challenges
Can chores be fun? Absolutely. Just turn them into challenges to get your kids up and moving while taking care of the housework at the same time. Try these ideas:
- The Sound of Music: Give your kids age-appropriate cleaning tasks, turn on some of their favorite music, and watch them transform into sweeping sensations.
- Cleaning countdown: Set a timer and challenge your kids to clean their rooms before the time is up. Siblings can compete against each other to see who wins the title of the cleanest room when the timer dings.
- Laundry basketball: Hang a hamper-equipped basketball hoop over your kids’ closet door and challenge them to shoot every sock and shirt directly into the hamper. It’s a slam dunk when your kids tidy up their room and have fun doing it.
Read more about getting your kids moving HERE on LivingMagazine.net
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