Getting kids to move from the bed to the couch and away from the video games or the TV is getting more and more difficult. Furthermore, our children are becoming more obese because they no longer get physical exercise. Their diet is filled with junk foods like fries, sodas, milkshakes and sweet snacks. None of it does much to help their health. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to get your kids moving.
Diabetes, anxiety, childhood obesity and heart problems are a few grave risks that children with unhealthy lifestyles face. Physical activity is important for everyone; however, for kids it is crucial. Physical activity helps kids develop strong bones, maintain a healthy weight and increase their confidence level and social skills. An active body is also less susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes and more likely to have better sleep and mental health.
Kids should get as much physical activity as possible, but an hour a day is the minimum amount of time that they should be active. Kids are often annoyed when their favorite video game is taken away. Regardless, parents must make sure that they go outdoors and move their bodies. To get your kids moving try our kids exercise tips:
- Find a fun activity – Instead of just sending your kids to the park or outside to play, help them find an activity that excites them. It may be a martial arts or a dance class. Additionally, it could be something as simple as getting them a basketball hoop. The can play basketball in the drive way with neighborhood kids or siblings. The more they enjoy the activity, the easier it will be for you to get to do it.
- Be an active role model – If you are an active role model, the kids will look forward to physical activity. You can either join in on the fun with them or you can do your own exercise near by. Seeing you can directly influence them. Most kids enjoy imitating their parents, so this should work for the both of you.
- Teach or learn a new skill together – Find the time to teach your kids cycling, skateboarding, skipping and other fun physical activities. If there is something you would like to learn that make it even better. You can learn together. There are many sports that both parents and kids can learn together like tennis, baseball or golf.
- More active toys – Children will be more inclined to turning off the TV if they have exciting toys to play with. Instead of investing in all the newest iPads, consoles and video games, keep active toys in the house. When you want them to head outside and play, give a ball, jump ropes, or Frisbee.
It’s estimated by a study that currently only 1 out of 3 kids are physically active in the U.S. While kids spend more than 7 hours playing and watching videos on their phones, computers, and other devices. Today, more than ever, our kids require a healthy, active lifestyle. Keeping them healthy now will help lead them towards a healthier adulthood.
We hope that you found our tips on how to get your kids moving helpful, and you will implement a few into their life. You may also like Water Infused Drinks Your Kids Will Love.
About the author: James Smith is a survivalist, who loves to write about survival skills and techniques. Currently, he is working for Teotwawki Supplies, offering a complete range of survival and emergency kits. Follow him on twitter @jamessmith1609.
