As a parent, there are many things I want for my children. One of them is to be healthy and active.
In today’s world, it can be hard to do this with all the computer games and TV shows kids watch on a regular basis. But there are ways we can make exercise more fun.
Remember when you were a kid and you used to play outside for hours? When was the last time you remember your child doing this? Many children these days are spending more time in front of their TV or computer screen than they do outside. This makes it harder for you, as a parent, to get them to be active.
Why it's important for children to get exercise
We all want our children to be healthy, but did you know that it is also important for them to get exercise? Not only will they have more energy throughout the day, but exercising will also help their growth. As your child gets older, exercise becomes more and more important.
Exercise is great for children because it helps to control their weight as well as strengthen their hearts. But this isn't everything. Exercise also helps the brain work better, clearing up those cobwebs and getting rid of mental fogginess. It also relieves stress so they can have a better attitude about being an adult.
There are many different ways to get your children active. You can take them for a walk or go to the park. There are also many sports and activities that are great for kids, such as basketball, soccer, and swimming.
It is important to find something that your child enjoys doing. This will make it more likely for them to stick with it. You can also try to get involved with your child’s activity. This will help create a family bond while helping them stay healthy.
Ways to encourage your children to get more exercise
To find something your child may like, try asking them for their input. If you don't know what they are into then this is a great way to figure it out. They might be interested in rock climbing or gymnastics, or even skateboarding. These are all fun activities that are good for them as well.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what your child will like until you take them there. If they aren't into one thing, then that's okay. This is just a way for you to explore their interests as well as give them something fun to do with you as a parent.
Having a goal is also important for your children. This could be something as simple as a poster on their wall or an upcoming event. In whatever way you do it, the goal should be something they want to achieve.
Try your best not to push them into doing anything that they don't enjoy. If they aren't enjoying themselves then there is no point in going out and spending the money. This will just get them to resent the activity and not want to do it again.
You can also work on creating a healthier house. There are things you can do around your house to make it easier for your family to get exercise, such as turning off the TV and moving the computer into an extra room. These are all ways you can encourage your children to have a healthier lifestyle.
Tips for parents on how to make exercise more fun for their kids
There are many ways that you can create a healthier environment for your children. You just have to know what their interests are and be able to find out what they enjoy doing. Try not to push them too hard, but let it be known that exercise is important so they can live a longer life.
Some ideas include taking the kids on hikes or play a fun sport outside with them. If you don't know about a sport, then ask around from other parents to get some ideas on what they do. This is a great way for your children to have fun while being active at the same time.
Remember that you are not alone in this journey of getting your children more involved in sports and games. There are other parents out there who want the same thing as you do. Asking around can get you some fun ideas on what your kids would enjoy doing that will also be great for them.
Positive ways to encourage your children to get more exercise
Exercise is something that many kids don't like, but it doesn't mean that they don't need it. It is important to make sure your kids are getting the exercise they need and deserve. There are many ways to do this, such as playing outside or taking them on family walks.
There are also other options if those don't sound like something your children would enjoy doing. You can go out and try new sports or activities. Just make sure to let them know that this is something you can do together and will be a fun experience for both of you.
It's also important to eat healthy with your children, so they can get the proper vitamins and nutrients. Physical activity also boosts brainpower, which helps your child do better in school as well as giving them a longer life.
If you want your children to be more active, then you have to show them that it's important. Make sure they are eating healthy and sleeping regularly throughout the week. This will help keep their energy up so they can get through their day easier.
These are just a few ideas on how you can get your children more involved in their daily lives. You don't have to push them too hard so they hate going out and being active. This is a good way for your family to bond with one another while also doing something important.
Be sure to watch what you say around the kids though, because they will pick up on any negativity in your voice when you are working out with them. This will make them feel bad about themselves, which is the opposite of what you want to accomplish.
The benefits of getting your child involved in sports and activities
There are numerous benefits that come from getting your child involved in sports and activities at a young age. One of those benefits is the fact that it helps prevent diseases as they get older.
This also boosts brainpower for kids, so they can have a higher IQ than kids who don't participate in any physical games or activities. This will help them excel in school and have a better life as long as they keep up with it.
One more benefit is keeping them mentally fit so they can know how to handle their emotions. If your child knows how to deal with their anger or sadness, then this will help prevent them from taking out their problems on others.
All of these benefits are amazing for you and your children. It helps them become more active in their daily lives, which will also help them stay healthy throughout the years. If you want your children to grow up healthy, then it's important that you let them know about all of the benefits that come from physical games and activities at a young age.
How to choose the right sport or activity for your child
If you don't know what sport or activity would be best for your child, then it's best to ask some other parents. Find out what activities they may enjoy and go from there.
Just make sure that the activity is something that won't hurt them. If your child doesn't like getting dirty, then football might not be a good option. Maybe they like to be outside all of the time, so maybe hiking would be a good option for them.
You want to find something that your kid enjoys doing and is safe for them at the same time. It's also good to keep in mind that there are many options out there, so you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose to do with them.
Whatever you do, don't push your kids too hard so they hate everything about it. Remember that this is something new for them and they may not want to participate in it with you. Just go at their pace so they can get accustomed to whatever game or activity you choose.
The most important thing is that you do something together as a family. Getting your kids involved in sports and activities can bring you closer than ever before. This is an amazing way for the entire family to bond with one another while also experiencing something fun and exciting at the same time.
Here are some sports activities that are worth trying out and that other kids love:
- Ball Games: Soccer – Football – Baseball etc. These are the classic sports that everyone is aware of. Sure, these activities don't need any creativity to find, but they're also the activities that the whole country loves. So it's likely that your child, no matter which age, will love too.
- Horseback Riding: This is a great way to get the kids outside and at the same time teach them how to work with animals. It's also good for their cardiovascular health so they can be physically fit as well.
- Nature Activities: These are usually quiet activities, which are preferred by some children. They might enjoy something like rock climbing or spelunking.
- Cycling: Kids can go cycling with their families to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. It's a quick way for the family to bond, especially if it is an activity everyone can participate in. Cycling doesn't mean riding a bike around the neighborhood without a destination. There are many different variations, like mountain biking, riding a road bike at high speeds or graveling through the woods or trails. Bonus tip: Let your child use his/her bike to get you the groceries that you forgot to buy or to pick up the pizza you ordered for dinner. That gets your child an extra exercise without planning it.
- Racket Sports: This may seem like an odd choice, but kids love racket sports like tennis or squash. They're high intensity sports that require a lot of hand eye coordination, which is something most kids have.
- Dog Sports: This activity may cost a little extra money, but it's so worth it in the long run. Getting a dog and going on a walk is a great way for both you and your child to bond with one another while also engaging in some extra physical activity.
What to do if your child doesn't want to participate in an activity you've chosen for them
If you decide to take your child to a sports activity or game, but they don't seem interested in the activities, then it's best for you to back off. Only go if they show an interest and they're willing to participate.
The worst thing you can do is force your kid into doing something that he/she doesn't really want to do.
If you want to get your child interested in an activity, but they're not very receptive of it, then there are some other methods that can help:
Always try to involve them during the planning stages of the game or activity. Talk about what you should expect and whether or not they'd like it. It's even better if they can watch someone else play or participate in it.
Don't try to pressure them into doing something that he/she doesn't like, but rather find activities that you think you're both able to do together. Don't mention the other activity again until you're sure your child wants to try it out. If they still don't want to, then it's best to move on and accept that they're not interested in that activity.
As a last resort, if your child still doesn't want to participate in the activity, make sure you explain what other benefits there are from doing it. For example, you could tell them about all of the calories they'll be burning or how much healthier they'll be.
It's not all about physical exercise – mental health is important too
Mental health is often left out of the equation when talking about exercise. But it shouldn't be.
Exercise helps to stimulate your brain, which in return will help to improve the overall well-being of your child. Just being outside and playing sports can have a positive effect on mental health, but if they are doing it with you then that only improves the effect it has on them.
Don't force your child into exercise that you think is good for them, instead, look for something they enjoy regardless of if it's beneficial or not. This way they will be more likely to want to participate and continue doing it in the future.
Chess is a mentally stimulating game that also is a great way for kids to bond with their parents. It requires them to think ahead and plan several steps into the future.
While chess is a great game, it's important that you don't show any signs of frustration or disappointment if your child loses because this can cause them to give up on it sooner. Their mental health is just as important as their physical health and we should always try to find activities that they enjoy doing.
Sudokus or crosswords are also great games that your child can play together with you. Both of these require a lot of critical thinking and mental dexterity, which is just as important as physical exercise.
So don't forget to stimulate your little one's brain frequently with some fun activities. It's going to be a lot more fun for you and your child if they enjoy doing it.
The importance of setting a good example for your children when it comes to being active
If you want your child to be physically active, then it's important that they see their parents practicing what they preach. “Lead by example” is the name of the game.
Your kids are going to look up to you and will try and emulate some of the activities that you do in your free time. This is not only with physical exercise either. They'll also talk about how you prioritize spending time with them, the types of movies you enjoy watching, places you like to visit together, etc.
They'll want to be involved in whatever it is that you are doing whether they have a genuine interest or not. For example, if their favorite cartoon character likes to go on adventures and visits new places every episode, then they might start asking if they can go on adventures too.
Now, this is where the problem lies. Most children don't care about going on a boat to Hawaii just because their favorite cartoon character takes their friends there every week. As a parent, your job is to help them realize that it may not be possible for them to go on an adventure with their best friend and their favorite cartoon characters.
Instead, they can go on a bike ride with you in the park. This way they get to see and experience something new while also spending quality time with their loved ones. You're showing them that there are other ways to have fun and be active together that don't involve an expensive vacation.
It's all about getting creative and doing things that the entire family can benefit from.
Takeaways and 45 awesome ideas for activities with your children
– Kids learn by example – set a good one!
– Exercising with your child is probably the best way to get them (and you) moving! It's not about one person forcing the other but rather doing something together.
Activity ideas for all ages:
1. Go shopping in your local farmers market or artisan fair
2. Go on a hike through the woods or in the park
3. Play any of your child's favorite sports with them (for example, if they like to play soccer it can be bonding time for parent and child while also getting some physical exercise)
4. Visit the local science center or children's museum
5. If your child likes to dance, then go dancing together! It doesn't matter if it's at a club or they're going hard in the paint in their doorway!
6. Bicycle riding through your neighborhood always is a good idea. If the weather isn't the greatest, hit up an indoor park or area with lots of kids and bikes around them.
7. If your child is into cars and racing, then take them out to a race track where they can drive some electric go-karts or miniature cars around the lanes!
8. Draw together with sidewalk chalk or paint. You can even make your own obstacle course for you both to run through!
9. Have a picnic by the lake or in the park. Bring some kites and toys to keep them busy while you prepare your food for everyone!
10. Make a book together about anything they want – it can be something fictional, nonfiction, or even their favorite movies! Just take pictures of them with different costumes or settings that come to mind when thinking about it.
11. If your child is a gamer, then they might also enjoy going to the arcade together and playing some games!
12. Play a board game as a family – it doesn't matter what kind as long as you're having fun together!
13. Attend local festivals or events that are going on in your town – these usually have food, music, and local artisan crafts that you can spend some time browsing and look at.
14. Organize a scavenger hunt by making a list of things to go and collect together in the neighborhood or nearby parks! Make it more interesting by attaching prices to items so whoever wins gets to assign the tasks you all have to carry out.
15. If you're feeling super adventurous, then take a road trip to a nearby town and spend the day there! Check out the local attractions and food stands that pop up for tourists. It's a great way to get out of your comfort zone and spend some time together as well!
16. Play video games online with them – it's a great way to bond and see what kind of games they're into! It lets you get inside their mind and see how they think.
17. If your child doesn't like playing outside, then encourage them to do it by promising to buy them something that's only available at the park down the street or through an outdoor market in the next town over.
18. Go to your local gym or YMCA and sign up for an exercise class together! It's a great way to motivate them even more since they'll be spending time with their favorite person in the world – you!
19. Hatch some ideas of your own that go alongside what they like into it as well! If your child is into astronomy, then go out and stargaze together at night. If they like bugs, then go on a bug safari!
20. Do some gardening or landscaping with them – it'll be like reliving your childhood days of playing in the dirt and getting fresh air all around you. It's one of the most wonderful feelings in the world!
21. Go to a local amusement park and ride all of their favorite rides together – it's a great way to spend some family bonding time with them and make memories that you'll cherish forever.
22. Host an epic pillow fight in your living room with all pillows around you! Have everyone bring pillows from their rooms and fight until the end of time!
23. Spend up all of your allowance on candies or ice cream together – it's a great way to eat all the foods you love while clicking away at each other with silly string without feeling one bit guilty about it!
24. Go camping in the wilderness somewhere by yourselves and spend time together living in the wild. It's an adventure that everyone needs to experience for themselves!
25. Take your child out to go shopping for some new clothes at their favorite store – it's a great way to get them excited about something other than video games or TV shows and give them a chance to treat you at the same time.
26. Get a Wii or Xbox and have a fun day of playing some video games together – just be sure to balance out the time you spend on each so your child doesn't get too addicted, but rather enjoys their experience with you!
27. If your child is older, then why not take them to see their favorite band or musician live and attend a concert or show together?
28. Create a photo album of all your favorite memories together – it's always nice to look back on old times and remember the good moments you had with each other!
29. Organize a pick-up game of basketball, soccer, baseball, or anything else that they love playing! Make it a weekly event to look forward to.
30. Go on a road trip in the car to somewhere nearby that they've always wanted to see, but never have! It's just another way for you both to bond through experiences and memories you'll cherish forever.
31. Go for an overnight camping trip in the woods together! Spend the night telling stories and roasting marshmallows around a campfire!
32. Take them out to their favorite restaurant for a fun foodie experience together! It's a great way to bond over a delicious meal that will bring back memories of old times you both shared together.
33. Build something together – it can be as big or small as you'd like! Start off with something simple, but work your way up to bigger things!
34. Take them on a trip somewhere – whether it's abroad or somewhere nearby for the weekend, it's always nice to get away from everything and bond with each other in a new environment.
35. Go out for ice cream together – it's always nice to chill out and enjoy the summertime warmth while getting to gaze into each other's eyes.
36. Take them biking in your city – if you're daring enough, then try biking up a hill! Show off your muscles (and sweat) for them XD
37. Teach them how to cook their favorite food and bring it to share with the family – it's a great way to bond and teach them how to be independent in their free time.
38. Take them on a trip this summer when they're out of school! Or simply take an afternoon off work for just the two of you and go out for lunch together when you both get a chance – it's quality time together that both of you will never forget.
39. Go for a fun run or walk in the park – it's a great way to enjoy being outside and get some exercise, which helps them sleep better at night!
40. If you have a younger child, then why not watch a movie with them on your lap and snuggle in the warmth of your couch together? It's a nice way to get back to the innocence of your early years and enjoy each other's company without having to go out or spend money together.
41. If you have extra time on your hands, then why not help them paint their room and create a fun new atmosphere for them? It'll be like starting all over again with the whole world!
42. If you live near the ocean, then take them for a walk by the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and feel their coolness drip down your legs as you step into new territory together.
43. Go to a local haunted house or corn maze this Halloween – it's an experience that you both can laugh about together in years to come and a fun way to get excited for the spooky season!
44. If you have a younger child, then take them outside to play with their favorite toy or watch them interact with nature – it's amazing to see how free they are when being themselves in the moment rather than watching TV all the time.
45. If they love going to baseball games, then why not go with them and enjoy a beer as you cheer on the team together? It's an experience that will always bring back memories no matter how old you both get!
No matter what stage your child is in, there are plenty of ideas to help get them more physically engaged. We hope you’ve found some new tips that will work for you and your children – if not, then please share in the comments below!
We wish you all the best in experiencing these moments with your children.
