How to Motivate Kids to be Active
With so many distractions available to children today in the form of the internet and video games, it can be difficult to engage children in physical fitness. But by introducing exercise into their everyday lives, you can begin to curb some of their lazy habits as well as reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Involve your kids in various sports and activities as a family and encourage individual pursuits. Not only will they come to value the importance of exercise but they will grow to love it too.
Set an example
Young kids and even teenagers are more likely to get involved with something if they see others doing the same and this applies to your exercise routine as a parent. If your children are being asked to get up and exercise and see that you are not, they will have no motivation to try, let alone commit to an active lifestyle. Make them see that it is worth a fraction of their time that TV and video games can fill all too easily. If they see that exercise is important to you then they are far more likely to follow suit and take it on board.
Explain the benefits
Any activity that impedes on a child’s downtime between school hours might prompt them to think ‘What’s in it for me?’- Inform your children of the many health benefits of regular exercise and how it can improve their concentration and overall performance throughout the day. If you instill in them that regular fitness can make them more alert at school for example, you can then reward them when you begin to see positive results.
Encourage a Hobby
One of the most effective ways to encourage kids to be active is by introducing a hobby to them. Find out what their interests may be at school and follow this through by signing them up to a local club or sports team. Even the least sporty types can find a way to enjoy physical fitness through the influence of friends, school peers and family.
Encouraging exercise and physical activity in your children is one of the best gifts a parent can bestow. Whatever their interests, feed their passion for fitness by providing them with fun ways to keep fit. Everything from bikes, scooters and skateboards can make a worthwhile gift. If you’re stuck for ideas, visit an online skate shop and see what takes your kid’s fancy.
Great tips!!!!