Most kids could afford to be a bit more active. These are great opportunities to get the kids moving and to ensure that it’s fun so that they stick with it for the long haul.
1. Make it fun. If you turn exercise into something that is hard work or boring, you can practically assure that they won’t stick with it. If you want your kids to exercise, then you need to make it fun. To get them up off the couch in the first place, you need to get them engaged and keep it interesting. If you don’t, you will suffer from a very unhappy child and you’ll never go anywhere with your efforts.
2. Get them involved in something that they are interested in. If they have ever demonstrated interest in any sort of sport or activity, then let them take the lead. Get them involved in a class, workshop, or camp that focuses on that activity. This can foster their interest and better yet it can also ensure that they are getting the exercise that they need to do so. Whenever you put them into the leadership role, they are far more inclined to stick with something.
3. Turn it into a family fun activity. Get the kids up and moving by creating fun family opportunities for them. Create a family fun day for swimming, hiking, or whatever sounds of interest. Take turns picking the activity and let them see just how much fun being active can be. They will be exercising and won’t even realize it because they are having so much fun!
4. Get a game going for optimal calorie burning. If you are out at a family picnic or just sitting around the house, get something started. Start up a game of volleyball at that picnic or suggest that you go for a bike ride if you are home. Look for opportunities for activities, even when it seems like they don’t exist. This will show them that there are always opportunities to exercise even if you don’t realize it. It will also show them that exercise can be fun too.
5. Lead by example. Let’s face it—kids learn by example. If you are telling them just how great exercise is but then sitting on the couch when you get home from work each night, then what sort of incentive are you offering them. Show them firsthand just how great exercise can be and what an important part of your life it personally is. Make this commitment to yourself and to your kids as they will always be looking to you for cues.
Exercise can be fun, but you have to show your kids how that works. These are great ways to get the kids up and moving and to ensure that they make exercise a priority.
Mary Frederick shares information with readers on how to obtain a masters of public health.