Children wouldn’t have anything against playing games on their computers the whole day. But the problem is that physical inactivity comes with serious risks, such as developing obesity. It’s imperative to motivate your child to be more active, but that’s not an easy task. Experts suggest approximately an hour of physical activity every day, and these guidelines are how you can assist your kid in achieving that goal!
Become an Active Role Model for the Child
Most kids look up to their parents and behave the same way. Therefore, the best tip is to lead by example. If you are dealing with extra pounds, start walking, running, or riding a bike daily. Even if your child doesn’t go with you the first day, they’ll join you the next. And try to find a way to spice things up. For example, getting new bikes will get you both excited about exploring the beautiful landscapes around your city.
Another suggestion is to organize family sports afternoons. You could go swimming in a local pool, play frisbee in the park, or gather friends for a game of football. Adjust the activities to your child’s fitness level and interests and make them too good to refuse.
Organize a Kids’ Charity Run
Even at a young age, people enjoy helping others. That’s why offering to host a charity event is an excellent way to make your child more active. Participating in a kids’ charity run isn’t only a physical but also a social activity everyone involved would enjoy.
Hosting a charity run takes effort, but here are some helpful tips:
- It doesn’t have to be a large-scope event. Inviting children from the school and neighborhood is enough, and it will simplify the organization.
- Know who’s in charge. Whether a person or a team, they handle everything related to the run.
- Choose a simple course. It’s best for the course to be entirely straight. If there are turns, place clear signs. Add barricades, such as cones, to ensure nobody runs off the path.
- An adult should dictate the pace. It’s another way to make it easy for children to follow the course. It could be an adult on a bicycle, scooter, or on foot.
- Plan a safe start. Depending on the number of participants, make sure each runner is far enough from the next one to avoid potential contact and injuries.
Don’t forget to secure water bottles and give first aid if anything goes wrong. Having parents as volunteers will increase the chances of the event going smoothly. You could organize charity runs once a month. Your child could express the desire to get better for the next run, which is in line with your plans to boost their physical activity.
Utilize Phone Apps That Promote Exercise
It’s a high-tech era, so most children use smartphones. Furthermore, they spend hours playing games and browsing social media. So, how about using that to make them more active?
You’ll find many Android and iOS apps that promote working out and a healthy lifestyle. The trick to making these apps more enticing is to create competition. For example, all family members install the same app to monitor their activities. The person who’s been the most active during the week chooses a prize. It could be a meal, a movie, or anything that seems appropriate.
Encourage Them to Join Sports Classes That Their Peers Are Participating in
Children love spending time with their peers. Some of your kid’s friends are surely sports fans and members of local squads. If your child’s good friend plays for the school’s basketball squad, can your kid join the team too?
It’s wise to do a few trial runs with the child first. Play different sports together and see which activity they like best. If they seem passionate about a particular sport, look for a local youth team and sign them up!
Do not Overdo an Activity
Your goal is for your kid to be more active, but not at any cost. You don’t want them to feel uncomfortable or stressed about physical activities since they might end up resenting them later in life. So instead, follow the child’s pace and see how they react.
Do they seem okay with the chosen activity? Does it seem like the tempo is too demanding? Whether it’s an exercise in school or a family physical activity, your child shouldn’t go beyond their limits. Make sure they feel comfortable and be patient – you’ll surely find ways for them to be more active and like it!