Kids of all ages follow similar patterns to adults; if they observe someone leading a sedentary lifestyle, they’ll likely exhibit similar habits. Children can often be found glued to screens, and even though this seems like a good way for them to pass the time, it can lead to inactivity that can become harmful over time. Don’t lead an immobile lifestyle. Instead, read our favorite ways to motivate a more active lifestyle in children.
Set-up Time for Physical Activity
Setting up a time and place for children to be active is a good thing to prioritize and make an everyday activity. If you cannot dedicate a full hour for activity, consider planning shorter breaks throughout the day to go outside and partake in an activity. For example, once your children get off school, allow them some time to go outside and run around. You and your kids can do activities like at any time of day.
Get Friends and Family Involved
Kids are impressionable, so make sure the impression you make on them is a good one. When they see their friends, adults, or teenagers exercising, they’ll begin to learn that working out is not a chore but a fun activity for all to come together and enjoy. If you’re looking for something fun to do, consider setting up a community soccer league in your town and encourage all youth to come out and play.
Display an Active Lifestyle
If children take note of someone living an inactive lifestyle, they’ll repeat the same patterns, which can result in health concerns later in life. Children enjoy playing copycat, so don’t discourage them if they happen to show an interest in your active lifestyle. Nurture this interest, and encourage them to continue being active.
Make Physical Activity Exciting
Children pick up on more things than you may assume. If they hear you get excited about cake or ice cream but complain about exercising, they’ll likely develop a similar way of thinking. Don’t deter a young one’s living an active lifestyle. When children are around you, always get excited to do something fun like slide down a slide. Children can get excited over park equipment because it’s a positive activity to do after a long day. Go outside and get excited about playing on the swings or even kicking a ball around.
Find Age-Appropriate Activities
Children of all ages need to partake in activities that aren’t too challenging for them. For example, community parks are constantly finding innovative ways to encourage everyone to play. Reach out to your community officials to see about adding swing set parts to your local playground. This simple action can foster positive living for children of all ages.
These are a few of our favorite ways to motivate an active lifestyle in children. Following these steps will help you and your community grow. Continue building onto your community parks by encouraging children to use the facilities and getting them excited to live an active life year-round.