Physical activity is beneficial to the bodies of children. It encourages growth and development in younger children and should be promoted throughout the day (ages 3 to 5). Older children and adolescents benefit from at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to develop strong bones and muscles, increase endurance, and maintain a healthy weight. There is growing evidence that moderate to vigorous physical activity improves critical thinking skills, grade point averages, and standardized test scores in children.
Schedule time for your children to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, which can be broken up into smaller pieces throughout the day. Keep in mind to compliment, reward, and encourage your children’s physical exercise.
PE Lessons At Home
Children require both free play and specific physical skill teaching to live a healthy lifestyle. Participating in physical education as part of the school day, when children are in school, is a simple approach for them to achieve this aim. Block off a set period every day for your kids to engage in physical activity, comparable to what they would do at school when they are at home because school is out or cancelled. Physical education that is age-appropriate and enjoyable is the best.
Organized Activities
Active play can be organized by adults or children. There are active indoor games like Simon Says to play, as well as hundreds of outdoor activities like hopscotch, jump rope, dodge ball, Frisbee golf, badminton, and volleyball. Plan outings to a nearby bowling alley, swimming pool, or skating rink when those possibilities are available, depending on the season. If you want to get your child into swimming you may want to arrange swimming classes.
Make Fitness Part Of Every Day
When school is in session, if your children can walk or ride their bikes to and from school, they will reap many of the physical and emotional benefits of being active, while you will save money on gas. When school is not in session, go for a walk or a bike ride with your kids whenever possible, and plan family walking or biking adventures around the block.
Make Screen Time Active
When going outside to play isn’t an option, your kids can play interactive video games like tennis, bowling, or baseball that require physical exertion. You can also use dance videos and active video games to get some physical activity while watching TV.
Get Help With Household Chores
Encourage your kids to help with outdoor activities like raking leaves, pulling weeds, watering plants, sweeping the walkways, and cleaning the garage. Use lively music to make chores feel more enjoyable, and be sure to participate in to do them as a family.
Be A Role Model
Instead of viewing physical activity as a chore, frame it as an important time to care for your body and health. Find activities that you enjoy and engage in them for at least 30 minutes five days per week. When your children see you having fun while being active, they are more likely to emulate your behavior.
Hopefully, this guide helps you to get your children active without it being too stressful. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share some of the ideas in the comments.
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