How to Keep Your Kids Active
Staying physically active is important at any age, but children, in particular, require a lot of daily activity to grow up strong, happy, and healthy. Regular physical activity for children can help strengthen and build bones and muscles, enhance cardiorespiratory health, control weight, and heart rate, and lower the risk of developing dangerous health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and others. It’s also important for overall mental health and can help with depression and anxiety symptoms.
Children who do not get enough physical activity are more likely to gain weight, develop health problems, have energy imbalances, and lose focus in school. All children aged 6 and up should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Younger children, ages 3 to 5, should be fit and healthy throughout the day to promote their health and development. While this may appear to be a lot, finding ways for the entire family to stay active and have fun is simple!
To be well-rounded and reap all benefits, children should participate in three types of physical activity each week.
- Aerobic
Aerobic exercises should make up most of the daily 60 minutes children should be getting. This activity includes anything that gets your heart pumping and you breathing faster. It consists of walking, running, dancing, and other activities.
- Muscle Strengthening
Climbing, push-ups, sit-ups, weightlifting, and other activities help to build and strengthen growing muscles. Children should do muscle-building exercises at least three times per week.
- Bone Strengthening
Incorporate bone-strengthening exercises at least three times per week. Jumping and running are two bone-strengthening activities. These activities promote bone health and development.
As a parent, you can motivate your children to engage in physical activity daily by providing fun activities and ideas. Set a good example by being active inside and outside; your children will want to be like you. Following are some ways that should be adopted to keep your kids active.
1. Lead By Example
Most children idolize their parents and try to emulate their behavior. This is why it is critical to behave respectfully in their presence. However, being active is a great way to ensure your child stays active this summer. You should try to be as physically active as possible, and your child should see you exercising. As you establish your routine, your child will observe you and, hopefully, emulate you.
2. Limit Electronics Use
It has been discovered that the average child spends approximately 30 hours per week watching television. With so much time spent glued to a screen, this limits the amount of time they can be active. Because of how easy it is to access screens, it can be difficult to limit how much time your child spends in front of them, but you must do your best to limit this time.
Allowing them to use a screen in their bedroom is not a good idea. You can also set daily screen time limits and rules. This forces them to seek alternative forms of entertainment, which may eventually lead to exercise.
3. Day Camps
While you are at work, your child can attend various day camps. Many institutions understand how difficult it can be to keep an eye on your child over the summer. They frequently provide numerous opportunities for your child to be active throughout the camp.
They are frequently either free or very inexpensive. They enable your child to spend more time with their friends in a safe environment while remaining healthy and active.
4. Encourage Participation in Sports
Organized sports, like day camps, allow your child to stay active throughout the summer. Baseball and soccer are ideal in the summer. Encourage them to try various sports to see if they enjoy them. Not every child wishes to participate in sports. They are less likely to participate in an activity if they do not find it enjoyable. But there are numerous advantages to participating in sports.
5. Involve Water Activities
Water activities frequently make them want to spend the day indoors rather than outside in the heat. However, there are ways to keep them active during the summer months. Water-related activities should be included. Whether it’s a beach, a pool, or even a sprinkler or slip-and-slide, these activities will keep your child cool and active.
6. Include Friends and Family
Many of your children’s friends will be bored during summer and looking for activities. Even if their friends are unavailable, try to plan activities outside with family members, particularly children their age with whom they can play. Your child will be delighted to spend most of the activity with a friend.
One of the best ways to ensure your child’s health is to keep them active. There are numerous opportunities for your child to engage in physical activity and develop strong habits for the rest of their life. You are responsible for getting them in the best shape possible for their future while they are still young.
