Raising healthy kids is surely one of your biggest priorities as a parent. Seeing your little ones hale and happy also gives you satisfaction and fulfillment. As such, you do your best to feed them fruits and vegetables, and you make sure that they get enough sleep. But keeping them healthy is not just all about these things. You will also need to help them become physically active.
Kids are living in an age where tablet computers and smartphones get their attention. They may hardly play with other kids or even enjoy the sun outside. If they are used to this lifestyle, you may find it challenging to introduce new habits. Nevertheless, here are some pointers to help you out:
Pick age-appropriate activities
While some kids may be willing to put on their high-quality hiking shoes and go camping with their parents, remember that not all children have this predisposition. They’re still kids, so it only makes sense that you encourage them to participate in activities that suit their age. If they like kicking the ball, playing tag, or biking with training wheels, let them do it. Gradually, you may introduce them to sports or even let them pick which sport they would like to try.
Take advantage of the screen
Many stern parents would want to limit the screen time of their kids, so they will be able to play outside. But you may want to take a counterintuitive approach. Instead, use their tablet computers or smart TV to get them moving. There are many active video games that require kids to move, such as virtual tennis, baseball, and even bowling. While you are at it, you may want to introduce dance-based video games.
Ask their help with household tasks
Doing household chores require you to move a lot. Vacuuming the floor, cleaning the windows, doing groceries – all of these activities serve as an exercise. If you want your kids to have a head start on being physically active, you can ask for their helping hand. Make the chores much more fun and engaging by playing music and turning them into some kind of game.
Make it a routine
You can always find a way to integrate fitness into your kids’ daily routine. If their school is just walking distance from your home, you can encourage them to walk or ride their bike. During the weekend, you can ask them to walk the dog or take it to the park to play.
Show them how it is done
Kids will just be inspired to move and lead a healthy lifestyle if they see their parents are doing the same. This means that you need to be a good role model. If you want your kid to pick up jogging or any sport, show them that you are also engaged in the same activity.
Start them young
Keeping your kids healthy should be done using a holistic approach. You can serve them all the healthiest food on the planet, but if they are not physically active, they will not be well-rounded as far as wellness is concerned.
