Physical activity is essential for individuals of all ages but is particularly necessary for the development of Children. But in today’s time of social media and electronic gadgets, encouraging children to be more Active has become quite challenging. If you’re a parent facing the same dilemma, look no further! Below, we’ve compiled five simple ways to raise active and healthy children!
5 Ways to Raise Active and Healthy Children
#1: Schedule Active Family Time
A healthy lifestyle requires consistency and conscious effort, and one of the best ways to incorporate physical activity into your child’s day is by scheduling active family time.
While lazy movie nights and indoor games are always fun, try making your family time more active whenever possible. At least once a week (or more), schedule a family activity where you all put away your gadgets and get moving together.
From a walk in the park to hiking, a bike ride, mini-golfing, tennis, and beyond, there is a long list of fun family activities to get your kids up and about.
#2: Give Them Options
As a parent, it’s crucial to consistently teach your children about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. However, while you should take every opportunity to encourage them to prioritise their health, don’t make all their health choices for them.
If your child is old enough, allow them some say in their exercise schedule. For instance, if you’re enrolling your child into a sports club, ask them what activity they’re genuinely interested in. Do they prefer swimming to on-field sports like basketball or football? Would they rather run track, practice yoga, or join their school dance club?
Always provide your children with multiple ways to spend their time, and give them some control over their health choices. If they don’t enjoy sports like racing or soccer, don’t force them to join the team. This will only make your child resent the activity and view physical exercise as a chore.
Instead, introduce them to alternative forms of exercise, such as playing tennis, cycling, hiking, and beyond. Give them the space to explore which activity they enjoy and see for themselves the benefits it brings to their life.
#3: Exercise At Home With Yoga
In a time where the digital world and competitive studies have children distracted, overstimulated, and pressurised, yoga is one of the best, low-cost, at-home activities to help your child stay healthy and grounded.
While often thought of as a mature, adult exercise, yoga is actually highly beneficial for individuals of all ages and is an easy and fun way to exercise with your child.
It can help your child develop body awareness, manage stress, build concentration, and increase body confidence. While active competitive sport is excellent for getting in some daily cardio, yoga is a much-needed channel for relaxing and connecting with your body. It is also an excellent way to destress without relying on electronic devices and gadgets.
If your child often feels stressed or over-stimulated, pull out some yoga mats, and practice beginner-friendly yoga poses together. Try incorporating around 15 minutes of yoga 4 to 5 times weekly to boost your child’s mental well-being and overall health.
#4: Strike A Balance
When teaching your child the importance of physical activity for good health, striking a balance is the most important part.
You shouldn’t be so lax that your child is left free to engage in unhealthy habits, but you also should not be so strict that exercise feels like a chore or punishment. Instead, strike a healthy balance where your child learns to prioritise their health and well-being while enjoying life to the fullest.
For instance, you can introduce a rule where you limit your child’s screen time. Allow them some time each day to pursue their online hobbies, play video games, and destress, but let them know where their boundaries are. While a digital childhood is inevitable today, encourage your kid to use more of their free time for physical activities and quality family time.
On the other hand, don’t force your child to over-exercise. Don’t push them to the point of exhaustion, as this can actually be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being.
#5: Be A Good Role Model
One of the best ways to raise active and healthy children is by being an active and healthy adult yourself. Be a good role model, and your children will follow suit.
This doesn’t necessarily mean following a restrictive diet or hitting up the gym six days a week. If you aren’t a highly active person yourself but still want your child to grow up healthy, there are some small changes you can make in your lifestyle to boost both your and your child’s overall health.
For instance, limit your screen time and schedule play-dates with your children in your backyard. If you’re headed to the grocery store, ditch your car, invest in a pair of bikes, and bring your child along. Or maybe challenge your kid to a friendly game of badminton in your garden.
And whenever you have the option, walk instead of driving. Go camping, hiking, and exploring, or join a family swim club. Let your child chase you around your local playground, or buy a couple of rollerblades and hit up a nearby skating rink.
If your child observes you playing sports, being active, and prioritising your health and well-being, they are much more likely to do the same.
We trust these 5 simple tips have helped you to better understand ways to raise active and healthy children. Get out there and enjoy moving your bodies together
