How to Get Your Kids to Be More Active

In the times when we were children, we didn’t have the same technological luxuries that many children have now, so we can’t really blame our children for being less active. What we can do is make a lasting change to their lives, to keep them healthier and happier. Below you can find out how to get your kids to be more active.

Be a Role Model

Your children watch everything you do, so if you sit around on your computer all day, they are going to do the same. It may be that you are doing important things and working, but they don’t understand that. They simply see you sat at a screen, then believe it’s unfair for you to tell them they can’t do the same. If you do work from home, have regular standing or exercise breaks, and encourage your child to join you. Have you ever wondered, ‘is sitting bad for you?’ This article by Yale Medicine answers the question: “is sitting harmful to your health?” which is worth a read if you’re worried. Reading this will help you to understand why your children need to be more active and why you should be too.

Have Family Trips/Walks

Doing things as a family will help you bond together and will keep everyone more active. Find nature walks close to home that you can discover together and make things interesting: have a race to the finish or bring a picnic with you. Go camping and get your child used to the great outdoors. The more time they spend outdoors, the more they will appreciate and understand nature as they grow. If they don’t have the option of their computer games, they will discover new ways to play.

Encourage Hobbies and Clubs

Where possible, actively encourage your child to try new hobbies they seem interested in or join local or school clubs. This will provide them with something to do after school and will keep them active. Joining a club is a great way to make new friends too, meaning they have likeminded friends to practice their new hobby or sport with.

Provide Outdoor Toys

If you want your child to stay active and spend more time outdoors, they need things to play with. Bicycles can last years and are a great way to keep your child entertained. Take them to a toy store and see what they would most like. There are so many options including outdoor archery, skateboarding, football, and basketball, which will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.

Limit Screen Time

We’ve all been there; the kids don’t want to go to bed because they haven’t finished their game, or their friends are still online. When screen time is actively stopping your child from listening to you or wanting to do other things, this is where the problem begins. If you limit screen time from an early age, your child will understand these restrictions and find other hobbies and interests. If they have siblings, this can be easier. It becomes harder when children become bored or lonely and you don’t have the time to play with them. Invite friends over from their school and be sure they learn how to play alone.

In a world full of technology and video games, it is all too easy for children to get lost in their room for hours at a time, slouched over a screen. Follow this guide to get your kids more active, for the good of their health.