Are We Doing Enough To Keep Our Kids Active?

In the technologically-minded age we live in, getting children away from the TV, off the sofa, and out into the world is becoming more and more of a challenge. For a balanced and healthy life, it is currently recommended that kids do at least sixty minutes of exercise every single day, but, in recent years, the percentage of children meeting this goal has become smaller and smaller. This lack of physical activity can have some major effects on physical and mental health, leading to obesity, diabetes, depression, and more. To avoid this and keep your children active, here are five things you can do.



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1. Set A Good Example

From a very young age, children mimic the actions of their parents, which is why, when toddlers fall over, they tend to look for their mom or dad’s reaction before they start to cry. For this reason, it’s crucial that you set a good example and be a role model for your children by also exercising every day. If they see you enjoying sports and physical activity, they will want to take part in it too.

2. Find A Fun Activity

Help your child find an exercise that they actually like to do, whether that’s dancing, swimming, or playing on your local playground. If you don’t have something like this near you, then you can speak to your council and a playground equipment manufacturer/supplier about having one installed. The more your kids like the exercise they’re doing, the more they’ll want to do it.

3. Make Time For Exercise

With homework, chores, and after school activities, some children are simply too overscheduled to fit any time for exercise into their day. If this is the case for your kids, then you should take a look at their usual day-to-day routine and find activities you can cut down or eliminate. If your kids spend too much time watching TV, then you should limit their screen time to an hour to two.

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4. Ensure They Stay Safe

While exercise is vital, your children shouldn’t be putting themselves at risk to do it. Because of this, it’s crucial that you provide a safe space and equipment for exercise. You should also explain to your kids that exercise shouldn’t hurt and to listen to their body when they’re active. Make sure you monitor your child’s weight and speak to a doctor if it drops below average.

5. Visit Your Family Doctor

Although kids tend to mimic their parents, that doesn’t always mean they listen to them. In fact, most shut off completely when you’re trying to explain something important. With that in mind, you may want to take them to see your family doctor. This way, your child’s doctor can explain why exercise is so important, as well as suggest a few activities that might suit your kids.

It might not be easy, but, as a parent, it’s your job to make sure that your children stay active. If you ever need help or advice, you can always go and speak to your doctor.