Everyone knows it’s important to be physically active, as it has a significant impact on your health. Getting kids to know that and actually be active is another story entirely, though. In many cases, they’ll want to either watch television or play video games.
While these can be harmless activities, they’re best done as part of a healthy overall lifestyle. You’ll need to find ways to encourage your child to be physically active so they’re as healthy as possible.
Doing this shouldn’t be as hard as you could think. Using three practical strategies should be more than enough for this.
Ways To Encourage Your Child To Be Physically Active: 3 Practical Picks
1. Be A Good Role Model
Your kids will usually follow your example, no matter what you say to them. If you want to encourage them to be more physically active, then be more physically active yourself. You’ll not only look after your own health, but you’ll lead a good example for them.
You could even set aside the time for them to exercise with you, letting you bond when you’re doing so. Consider it some extra family time where you’re focused on living a healthier lifestyle.
2. Get Them Involved In Martial Arts
There’s a decent chance your child likes at least one or two shows involving some kind of martial arts or fighting. They might want to replicate this somewhat, and you can use this interest to get them to be more physically active. Get them involved in a Taekwondo For 4-12 Year Olds martial arts class to do this.
You’d be surprised by how many of these are available. Even jiu jitsu lessons for kids can be a great pick for this. It’ll be something they’re interested in and keeps them physically active long-term. It’s one of the more notable options to pick.
3. Take The Dog For A Walk
If you have a dog, then this can be a great way to encourage your child to be physically active. Your child likely loves spending time with their furry family member, so they shouldn’t have a problem spending some extra time with them. Simply ask your child to take the dog for a walk once a day.
Depending on your child’s age, you might need to go with them, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Since it gets everyone outdoors, it can be one of the healthiest ways of getting your child to be physically active.
Ways To Encourage Your Child To Be Physically Active: Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for ways to encourage your child to be physically active, you might think you’ll need to put a lot of effort into it. In reality, you don’t. All it takes is the right strategies and using a few tips and tricks.
Letting them take the dog for a walk, being a good role model, and getting them involved in martial arts can all be recommended. Not only should they be appealing for your kids, but they’ll be more physically active than you’d think. There’s no reason not to use them.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
Rita Wray says
Kids need to be more active. They spend too much time sitting around. When I was young we would spend all day playing outside.
Tina F says
There is so many distractions for children. Being active especially outside and away from electronics, is so important. I love spending time outside with my granddaughters.
Donna says
My grandchildren love to play video games, so my son always makes sure to take them outside for some screen-free playtime and exercise. I really like idea of learning martial arts!
Nina Lewis says
Now that I am at my sister’s while she is in bedrest I go for walks with my nephew & both her dog & mine. He loves going to the park and looks forward to it during the day. 🙂
heather says
I LOVE this post and thank you for sharing this on your blog! Kids need to off the couch and not playing video games and they need to be outside running and building forts. I was always outside as a kid and I am so thankful for it.
Dreaa Drake says
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing these excellent tips on how to encourage children to be physically active, a must to achieve overall physical health throughout our lifetime