An active lifestyle plays a key role in the growth and development of children. Despite this, only around 1 in 4 children get the 60 minutes of exercise a day that doctors recommend. Here are some easy ways to encourage your kids to be active.
Lead by Example
Taking the time to exercise with your kids is one of the most effective ways to promote a healthy lifestyle in your family. Adding physical activity to your regular family routine will help to build your child’s relationship with exercise and has the added benefit of bringing valuable bonding time.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to find time for family walks. Walks are free, easy and you do not need any special equipment. This will get you, and your kids moving and allow your children to get out and explore the world around them, which will help them learn to love the outdoors.
Focus on Fun
Let’s face it; if your child isn’t having fun while exercising, it will be almost impossible to motivate them to be active. Therefore, it is vital to help your child explore different forms of activity while they are younger to find something that they genuinely enjoy.
Unfortunately, as children get older, they become increasingly unlikely to reach the recommended amount of activity each day. Kids can feel that they are not good at sports or don’t enjoy competitive activities. If this is the case, it is critical to listen to your child to help them find things they like. Not all forms of exercise are competitive, so by listening and exploring your options, you can find something that your child loves.
Encourage Playing Outside
In the world of screens and the internet we live in, it can be challenging to pull your kids away. Most children will be active as they play around outdoors, so an excellent way to promote activity is to give your child the opportunity to go out and explore with their friends independently.
As a parent, however, there are other concerns. It is easy to worry about the whereabouts and safety of children whenever they are not directly in your sight. Despite this, it is crucial to allow your child to explore activities on their own. Using technology is a brilliant way to encourage outdoor exploration while giving you peace of mind. COSMO makes a smartwatch for kids, enabling you to know their whereabouts and easily contact them should you need to. There is also an SOS feature, and it will only allow contact by approved people, giving you the confidence that your child is safe while they live actively.
Activity Now Promotes Activity Later
Overall, by encouraging your child to exercise, you can help to promote their development and health later on in their lives. Many kids are becoming increasingly sedentary, with screens and video games becoming more popular pastimes. There are ways to avoid this, but it might take some effort on your part. Getting involved in your child’s activities, focusing on their enjoyment and offering them a degree of independence are all great ways to foster a love of exercise in the younger generation.
Lead by example is key ! Easier said than done at times