An active kid is often a happy kid. Though it may be tough to keep your kids as active as they would be if they could get to soccer practice or dance class, it’s still important to encourage movement even at home. It’s just as important for you to understand why outdoor time is important to kids, as it is for them to know. Before you head out on daily walks, explain to them that outdoor time will help them grow into happy and healthy individuals. For other ways to encourage your kids to be more active, take a look below!
Get Moving With Them
Probably one of the best and easiest ways to encourage your kids to be more active is by moving with them. If your children see you moving, dancing, walking, and stretching, they’ll be more inclined to do the same. Better yet, make them your workout partner—go on walks together, take that online dance class together, or get out and kick the ball around together. It’s a wonderful way to build your relationship as well!
Make Exercise Part of the Routine
One of the biggest things people struggle with when comes to getting active is sticking with it. Kids are the same way. The sooner you can make exercise a part of the daily routine, the more they’ll enjoy and stick to staying active. Especially now, sticking to some sort of schedule is essential to make life seem a bit more normal.
Find Creative Movement Ideas
All that said, there’s more to exercise than walking or running around the neighborhood. You need to help your kids find the ways they enjoy moving. Maybe your son hates walking around the block but loves learning how to salsa dance. Maybe your daughter is getting bored of online ballet classes and would prefer to learn kickboxing. To help them find their passions, make a list of different activities they could do at home, then let them choose what interests them.
Don’t Push Too Hard
You don’t want to push your kids too hard. You don’t want to force them to walk, dance, or swim if they don’t like it—that’s no way to encourage. Rather, you want to act as a catalyst for their passions and let them grow and develop their admiration for different activities. Similarly, once they’ve found their passions, don’t push them too hard. Sure, children need a boost sometimes, but if you’re constantly on them about practicing or moving for longer periods of time than they’re comfortable with, then you won’t be encouraging; you’ll be stunting.
Talk About How Good It Feels
The idea of talking about emotions is so important for encouraging and developing children. It will boost their emotional intelligence and help them stick close to the things that make them feel better and steer clear of the things that harm them. After a workout or some movement time, ask them how they’re feeling. Do they feel happier, more energized? Did the recognize that they’re no longer as grumpy? Helping them recognize the advantages will solidify movement in their daily life.
