When there are gadgets with dynamic apps and addictive video games our kids can play with, it can be challenging to get them to exercise. Despite its many advantages, technology has made children less active in their day-to-day lives, leading many to become overweight and even obese.
When your kids are active, they find it easier to focus, they are less stressed and anxious, and they keep their weight down. Getting your kids to move can be tricky, because you don’t want them to approach exercise as another task they have to do. There are simple ways to trick your kids into being more active, and the following are five of the easiest ones to try.
1. Use technology to your advantage
Since they love their gadgets so much, use technology in your favor. With its exercise videos and music playlists, YouTube should be your go-to source to get your kids moving when they are at home. Find the playlist that will get them dancing or an exercise video that they love, and encourage them to move along. The best part of YouTube is that the minute they get bored with one video, you can easily move on to the millions of others that are available.
2. Go for something old school
Kids love it when they see us doing something fun that we used to do as kids. Seeing us jumping rope or spinning the hula hoop, dancing to an old song, or jumping on a trampoline is funny for them, and they will want to join in on the fun.
3. Get a dog
If you’ve been mulling over the idea of getting a dog, then this point just might make you head on over to the local pound. Having a dog is good for kids, giving them a reason to walk every day and teaching them how to be responsible by taking care of an animal.
4. Expose them to different sports
People who exercise every day do so because they are doing something they love. As a parent, you have to create a positive approach towards exercise if you want your kids to think of it as a fun activity and a lifestyle choice. Expose them to different sports—aerobics, boxing, gymnastics, soccer, and more, and let them choose the sport that makes them happy.
5. Play with them
We say that we want our kids to be active, but it is unlikely that our kids will want to exercise if they see us sitting all day and never doing some form of exercise. Leading by example is essential to teaching kids that exercise should be a way of life, not a chore. Playing with your kids and having a laugh together is the easiest way to see them move and be active. Not only will they be exercising, but playing time as a family will help you to bond and grow a stronger communication line.
There you have it. Five easy ways to get your kids to be more active, proving you don’t have to spend a lot of time encouraging them to exercise. Once you get your kids, and yourself, into the mindset of finding ways to be active in everything you do, then it will be even easier to sneak exercise into your days.
How do you get your kids moving? Share your thoughts below!
Article by Amy Kristine Williams – mother of two, social worker, and positive parenting advocate.
