It’s hard to find a parent who doesn’t want a happy and healthy child. Unfortunately, in these days and age, the majority of kids spend much more time in front of all kinds of screens than being engaged in physical activities, hence no wonder, there are so many children that are overweight or obese.
Moving is living is not just a catchphrase and the earlier your son or daughter develops a passion for sports or outdoor hobbies, the stronger his or her chances to grow into a healthy adult that can enjoy life in a sound body. As a loving parent, you can really do a lot to help your child embark on the right path.
If you are not quite sure how you can do it, check out our tried and true ways to encourage kids to be more physically active.
Start Right Away
If you are still waiting for the best age or an appropriate moment to introduce your child to physical activities, perhaps you have already wasted a heck of a lot of time. Fortunately, it is never too late to start! Anyway, you do not need a green light from your kid’s doctor to tap into the wondrous world of sports. Even infants can do exercises, of course, with the help of their parents or specially trained nurses.
Let Physical Activity Be Part Of Daily Routine
Being active is fun, but being active every day is a sure sign of a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t really matter whether you as a family go hiking or enjoy a short walk in the nearby park, the point is to make it an inseparable part of your daily routine. We are pretty sure that even after an absolutely crazy busy day at work, you can find 20 minutes to squeeze a relaxing and healthy activity into your schedule.
Play With Your Kids
Many parents often simply have no idea how to make their children move. Well, just like with everything in life, the easiest way to encourage others is to set a good example. Can you think of a better role model for your kid than his/her parents?
Not an active type? No worries, you do not necessarily have to attend yoga classes, play tennis, or be a gym addict. There are plenty of ways to have fun together with your kids and all you have to do is just to figure out your perfect fit. Many parents have opted for wall mounted basketball hoops that can be installed fast and easy either indoor and outdoor to let both children and adults enjoy one of the world’s most beloved sports whenever they have time. Do your kids love basketball? We bet they do!
Get Out Of The Car
Walking instead of driving is a great habit. It’s not good only for your kid, it’s also good for you. Switch to walking every time you have an opportunity, get out of your car, and show your child a healthier way to get to the local shop or his/her favorite bakery. If your child is old enough, it’s a great idea to consider biking to school, of course, if it’s not too far. Alternatively, you can just bike together when you feel like spending an hour or so outdoors.
Try Different Sports And Activities
If you love tennis, it doesn’t mean your kid should love it too. It’s great when your son follows in your footsteps, but children often have totally different preferences. Let your child try his/her hand at various sports and activities, you never know which one will turn to be a real game-changer. Do not expect too much from your young sportsmen and do not push him to deliver results or, otherwise, you will get a burned-out and upset little person. And you want your kid to be happy, right?
Have Fun
Most kids (and even teens) aren’t ready to face the numerous challenges of taking part in serious competition. Unless your child is not a born fighter, keep things stress-free, and focus on the fun side of physical activities. Your responsibility as a parent is to give your child a chance to learn and become more skilled, not to put on him (and on you) pressure for a must-have success.
A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. If you want your child to be happy and healthy, do not let him/her spend the whole day in front of the TV or computer. When your son or daughter gets bored, take them outside, and have fun together.
