It’s more important than ever to make sure your kids are fit and healthy. In 2019 almost 10% of children aged 4-5 were considered obese and a further 12.8% overweight. Encouraging children to be active now can help them stay healthy and prevent them from getting diseases when they’re adults.
Physical activity helps children’s growth and development. Regular exercise helps them to grow strong muscles and bones and maintain a healthy weight. It’s also beneficial for their mental health. It has a positive effect on cognitive skills, self-esteem, and confidence, as well as managing anxiety and depression. So how can we encourage our children to get active?
Kids learn by repeating the behavior. They mimic the behavior of their parents and carers, so when they see you being active and enjoying it, they'll want to copy you. It helps them form habits that will keep them active throughout their lives.
Exercising as a family is a great way to get your children moving. Go on a bike ride together, take the dog for a walk or grab a football and head to the park. The more you do together, the more likely your kids are to create healthy activity habits.
Your children are far more likely to want to participate in team sports or after-school activities if their friends are doing it too. Gymnastic classes, football games or swimming lessons are lots more fun if there’s a group of them doing it together. Your kids are also more likely to turn up to activities when they know their friends will ask why they weren’t there if they’re a no-show.
Get your children active by walking, riding, or scooting to nursery or school. Not only will you save on fuel, but they’ll also get the benefit of being out in the fresh air. In the school holidays, go for regular rides or walks around your local area. Or head to the park for an hour on the swings and slide.
Nothing gets kids involved in something faster than letting them choose what they want to do. If the weather isn’t great, give them a few options like going swimming, playing musical statues or interactive video games like 10 pin bowling or tennis. If you’re planning on getting out in the fresh air, how about mini-golf, frisbee at the park or hopscotch outside on the pavement? Your children are more likely to participate in an activity they’ve chosen themselves so give them the option and watch them move!
You may have to offer some rewards to the kids to get them involved in doing household chores. However, sweeping floors and dusting around the house, burn the same calories per hour as riding a bike for 30 minutes. You could even cultivate a love of gardening by asking them to help with the weeding or watering the plants.
Physical activities for kids come in many forms, and there are lots of classes or sports clubs they can join. Rugby, football, gymnastics, swimming, basketball, running, tennis has many benefits as well as improving fitness levels. They encourage teamwork, help children think strategically, and build confidence.
Now you don't have to forego your poolside cocktail and go all out hiking up a mountain, instead of adding in the odd bike ride or a trip to the beach to do some bodyboarding is a good compromise. You'll also be teaching your children about the beauty of nature and giving them a much-needed boost of Vitamin D at the same time.
One final tip, don’t force your kids to do activities they’re not keen on. You’ve got a better chance of them getting active and healthy if you choose activities they enjoy.
Let us know how your children like to get active in the comments below.