Do you feel as though your kids spend more time in front of the TV than they should? Maybe you just want to encourage them to get outside more but you are having a bit of a hard time. Either way, if you follow these 3 steps then you’ll be able to get your kids moving in no time.
Be a Good Role Model
If you want your kids to be more active then it helps to be a good role model yourself. You need to set a good example and you also need to make it look fun. You don’t have to do activities they’ll be doing. You can go to a spin class, or even to a yoga session if you want. When you do, you will soon find that you can take some time for yourself while encouraging your kids. If you want to really help your children to be active then it is a good idea for you to plan some family activities. It may be that you go swimming for example. You can take them to swim classes and then have a family swimming session at the weekend.
Limit Screen Time and Set Boundaries
One major issue that a lot of parents deal with is that kids usually want to stay and watch TV all the time. With the additions of smartphones, laptops, tablets and more, it’s safe to say that limiting screen time is harder than ever. If you want to help them here, then it’s wise for you to form healthy habits first. This could include making sure that they are getting enough sleep. You can then set boundaries by taking them out for a walk in the morning and then allowing them to go on their games console in the afternoon. If your children are up late at night and shattered in the morning, you won’t have much luck getting them moving. By setting good habits first and by limiting screen time, you can help them out a lot.
Buy them a Range of Active Toys
Taking away screen time isn’t the only thing that you have to do if you want them to be more active. You need to try and provide them with active toys and you also need to encourage them to play with others. It may be that you buy them a football or a basketball, instead of a board game for example. Jump ropes are very good here and if you are on a budget, then you can easily visit charity shops or pre-loved shops. Buying your child a bike is also a very good idea. You may want to buy them a good helmet, but do make sure that you never buy it second-hand or used. You don’t know what accidents the helmet has been exposed to in the past and this can make it unsafe for your child, which is the last thing that you want when you’re trying to keep your kids safe while active.
