7 Ways to Motivate Children into Becoming More Active

Physical activities are beneficial for any age, but especially for kids. It’s not an easy task when there have never been this many distractions. The problem is lack of movement could lead to obesity and other health problems. So, how can you motivate children to be more active? Here are some tips to help boost their physical activity!              

1. Set an Example for the Child

How can parents expect their children to be active if they aren’t? If you spend all the time sitting down and browsing your phone, your kid will do the same. A parent’s primary task is to lead by example, so it’s time to become more active.

You can start slowly and do daily walking or running exercises. Riding a bike is an excellent cardio workout, and you could hike and explore the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to suggest these activities to your child and let them choose, so you can go together. Even if it’s only 30 minutes playing catch in the park, it’s still beneficial.

2. Host a Kids’ Charity Run

Charity runs are an excellent way to do a good deed while motivating your child to be active. Kids will appreciate the opportunity to help someone. They’ll be ready to participate in organizing the event and also run.

If you want to host a charity event, begin by selecting the desired purpose. You could collect funds for a charity organization or someone in the neighborhood who needs help. It doesn’t have to be a large event. Pick a simple course in a convenient location in the town and mark it clearly. Apart from signage, have adults next to the path to direct the kids.

Consult the relevant local authorities to ensure you do everything by the book. Call parents and children to participate and share some flyers if necessary. Your child will love seeing everybody running. If you make the charity run a regular event, the kid might even be ready to train for the next race.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage and Install Exercise-Promoting Apps

Children spend hours daily on tech devices, so how about using that to your advantage? App stores offer many software solutions focused on health and fitness. Your only task is to find a suitable app that fits your preferences.

Exercise apps often come with detailed guides and suggestions for different workouts you can do. In addition, it’s possible to add challenges and daily, weekly, and long-term goals. Some apps even have an option to monitor activities and compete with other household members. The person who wins could get to choose something, such as a movie to watch.

4. Set Limits on Screen Time

Although technology can play to your advantage, it’s important to limit its use. Your children shouldn’t spend the entire day on smartphones and computers. Sit down with your child and set ground rules that all family members would follow.

Some limitations could include:

• No screen time during meals
• Forbid phone use in the bedroom
• Don’t spend more than several hours daily on the phone

The actual limitations vary depending on the kid’s age. However, the general rule is to increase the allowed screen time as the child gets older.

5. Focus on Having Fun

Your goal is to motivate the child to be more active, but not at all costs. The long-term focus is for your kid to love physical activity and exercise. That’s why your primary focus should be on having fun, at least in the beginning.

Start with activities that your child loves. If they enjoy basketball, place a hoop in the backyard and play games daily. If they love animals, consider getting a dog to walk regularly. Each child is unique, so pick activities that fit them.

6. Sign Them Up for the Same Sports Classes Their Friends Attend

Kids enjoy mutual activities with their peers. Are your child’s friends attending some sports classes? If so, how about your kid joining the same club?

If your child is passionate about a particular sport, look for a youth squad nearby. You might be unsure, so try different sports with your kid first. Once you figure out their favorite, sign them up for some classes.

7. Don’t Go Over Their Limits with an Activity

For the children to consider an activity enjoyable, you shouldn’t push them over their limits. You’ll only make them uncomfortable, and they’ll end up hating that activity.

Try to identify activities that fit your child’s activity level. If they are having problems with extra pounds, start slowly. If the pace seems too demanding, lower it. As time passes, you’ll be able to increase it again. You’ll also notice they enjoy physical activities more and are eager to work out and spend time outside. That will indicate you succeeded in achieving your goal of making them more active!