With less time and space for safe outdoor activities, and more electronics competing for your child's attention, it's easy for physical play to fall by the wayside. But in today's sedentary culture, encouraging kids' fitness is more important than ever. Try this advice to help even the most reluctant child increase active play time.
First Steps to Kids' Fitness
Remember that fitness and physical play are part of a healthy lifestyle that makes you feel good. Try not to send the message that exercise is an unpleasant chore. These dos and don'ts for fun fitness will help you set a positive tone, and these 10 tips show you how to make any kind of exercise more fun, and these questions will help you pin down the real reason your child says he "doesn't like sports."
Be a Fitness Role Model
The number-one way to prompt your reluctant child to be more active is to be more active yourself. Take up a new sport, resume a walking or running habit, or resurrect that gym membership you've been ignoring.
- Teach the Importance of Activity
- Find Time to Work Out
- Best Fitness Routines for Moms
- Find a Gym the Whole Family Can Use
Set Kids' Fitness Goals that Motivate
Many kids are motivated by rewards. Work together to come up with a set of goals for each member of the family, then plan some fun (non-food!) prizes, such as active toys you can all enjoy.
- Create a Simple Family Fitness Challenge
- Small-Size, Low-Cost, High-Impact Gifts
- Best Kids' Toys for Active Play
- Should You Buy a Wii?
Boost Kids' Self-Esteem
If your child is overweight, fitness is more important than ever--but also tougher to encourage. Try this advice to help your child feel more confident about himself and his body.
- Help Your Overweight Child
- Help Teens and Tweens Feel Good About Their Bodies
- Help a Child Who Hates Gym Class
Find Fitness Activities Kids Love
Maybe your child doesn't enjoy active play because she hasn't yet found the right sport or exercise for her. Check out profiles of youth sports to get a feel for some popular favorites, and don't forget to take advantage of seasonal fun, as well as activities that draw on your child's other interests.
- Fall Fitness Fun
- Best Winter Activities
- 8 Wet Ways to Play
- Active Play Inspired by Arts and Crafts
- Yoga for the Whole Family
- Kickball for All
- Camping and Hiking as a Family
- Geocaching with Kids
