Did you know that 22% of American children are overweight? That number is increasing quickly; it was only 19% before the pandemic.
Every parent wants their children to be healthy, both physically and mentally. Physical activity has undisputed benefits for physical and mental health; in fact, it’s essential.
However, dragging your kids out of bed and forcing them to go running will never work! Or if it does, the headache probably won’t make it worth it. Instead, it would help if you focused on teaching your kids the value of physical activity from a young age.
If you want to raise active kids, read on to find out how.
1. Be Committed
If you’re wondering how to keep your kids active, you need to realize it’s not a ‘one-time effort.’ If you stop encouraging, they’ll be lounging on the couch within a day.
Raising active kids is a lifestyle, not a short-term solution. You need to be committed and consistent.
2. Make It Fun
There is no point putting an eight-year-old on a treadmill; kids love to play, so make the most of that.
Find great active kids’ activities and play areas. Before long, your kids will have tired themselves out with play and exploring. For endless fun, why not buy a kids climbing frame?
When you talk to your kids about staying active, use positive language and don’t make it seem like ‘an effort.’
3. Make It Routine
Ditch the car, make physical activity part of your daily life. Get your kids used to walking to the shops, park, or school. If school is too far to walk, why not get them a pushbike?
The more you can incorporate routine physical activity into their lives, the less they’ll complain about it.
4. Give Them Choices
It’s easy to forget to really listen to your kids. Remember, there are some activities they will hate, and that’s okay!
Give them choices about the types of activity they do. It could be anything from hiking to swimming. Whatever they express an interest in, support them with that.
5. Lead By Example
Finally, what’s your own activity level? When raising your child, you want to lead by example wherever possible. This is especially important with fitness. Do you think they’ll be motivated if they see you drive to the shop but you make them walk?
Change your household lifestyle, apply physical activity ideals to everyone, and have fun as a family. Although your kids might resist at first, they’ll eventually get on board if they see you doing it too.
Raising Active Kids Made Simple
These five tips will help you raise active kids that love to spend time outside or in the gym. Fit kids grow into healthy and happy adults; what parent wouldn’t want that?
So, it’s time to get started. Remember, consistency is crucial, and you’ll need to lead by example.
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