- Set an example for your kids by being physically active and making household chores a game.
- Limit the amount of screen time your children have each day to encourage physical activity.
- Create a schedule for physical activities and reward systems to motivate your child to complete them.
- Make physical activity fun by incorporating games and challenges.
- Invest in appropriate gear for your child, such as protective gear, balls, rackets, nets, and lighting.
As a parent, you understand the importance of physical activity for your child’s health and well-being. However, with the rise of technology, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to encourage your child to be physically active. This guide will provide five tips to make your kids physically active at home.
1. Set An Example
Kids learn by example, so it’s essential to set an example by being physically active. When your children see you exercising, they’ll likely follow suit. Make it a point to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, and encourage your children to join you. You can go for a walk, jog, or bike ride together.
Additionally, you can make household chores fun by turning them into a game. For example, you can see who can fold laundry the fastest or sweep the floor the most efficiently. This way, you promote physical activity while completing necessary household tasks.
2. Limit Screen Time
It’s no secret that kids spend much time in front of screens. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 2-5 should have at least one hour of screen time daily. Children ages 6 and older should have consistent limits on the amount of screen time they have each day.
To encourage physical activity, limit your child’s time in front of screens. Instead, encourage them to engage in physical activities such as playing outside, dancing, or doing yoga. You can even make it a family activity by having a dance party or yoga session together.
3. Create An Activity Schedule
Creating a schedule for physical activities can help your child establish a routine and make physical activity a habit. You can set aside a specific time each day for physical activity, such as after breakfast or before dinner.
Additionally, you can create a list of physical activities for your child, such as jumping jacks, push-ups, or sit-ups. You can even create a reward system to motivate your child to complete their daily physical activities.
4. Make Physical Activity Fun
Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring. You can make it fun by incorporating games and challenges. This will ensure that you stay motivated and excited to keep moving.
Here’s how you can make physical activity fun at home:
Create Relay Races
Relay races are perfect for kids who love running around! It encourages them to move their bodies while competing against each other at the same time. All you need to do is create a start and finish line and assign each child an activity or task (e.g. jumping jacks, squats, running around the yard) that they have to complete before the next person goes. This will surely create some fun competition between siblings and friends!
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are great if you have kids of different ages and abilities. You can create clues and puzzles that lead them to different parts of the backyard or home in search of hidden items or treasures. Kids will love working together as they explore, solve riddles and find the prize at the end!
Create a Tennis Court
If you have the space, consider building a tennis court in your backyard. This will give your kids another place to practice sports safely and comfortably. You can utilize a professional tennis court builder to help you plan, design, and construct a court tailored to your needs. The builder can advise on the best surface for your court, adequate lighting, nets and posts, balls, rackets, and protective gear. Additionally, they can recommend steps to upkeep the court to maximize its lifespan.
Create a Basketball Court
If your child is interested in basketball, you can also create a mini-court in the backyard. You can also use artificial turf or a sports court surface for this purpose. This will allow your child to practice their skills and get exercise at the same time. It’s also great for children to play with friends while maintaining social distancing protocols! Plus, if you have multiple children, it’s a great way for them all to stay physically active together.
5. Invest In Appropriate Gear
If your child is serious about physical activity, consider investing in appropriate gear such as protective gear, balls, rackets, and nets. Additionally, you should install adequate lighting to allow your child to practice during the evening hours.
In Summary
Encouraging your child to be physically active can be challenging, but it’s essential for their health and well-being. You can promote physical activity in your child’s life by setting an example, limiting screen time, creating an activity schedule, making physical activity fun, and encouraging outdoor play. Remember, physical activity doesn’t have to be boring. You can make it fun for your child and the whole family with a little creativity.
