The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children get at least an hour of physical activity every day. It should include bone-strengthening exercises three days per week as well as muscle-strengthening exercises three days per week. That physical activity can be included in the hour per day that kids should be engaged in physical activity.
Given the importance of exercise for kids' health and well-being, it's only natural to want on inspire your children to exercise each day. However, inspiring motivation in other human beings can be a mystery, even when those people are little ones. Consider these ways that you can help your children embrace and enjoy physical activity.
Offer Your Children Age-Appropriate Activities
Before offering your kids the chance to try physical activities, consider how well they can master an exercise. If there is a big difference in your kids' ages, they can enjoy some forms of exercise together, but also encourage them to try different things that are suited to their ages. That way, they are less likely to get frustrated by things that are either not challenging or too advanced.
You may consider how well certain activities help kids develop skills at different age levels. Toddlers can develop upper body strength when they engage in activities where they support their body weight with their hands. School-aged children often thrive when participating in games that help them develop their strength and coordination.
Limit How Much Screen Time Kids Get
Children who get used to sitting in front of a screen for hours each day are typically less inclined to be active. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children between the ages of two to five years should get no more than one hour of high-quality screen time each day, while parents should also set consistent limits on media for kids over five.
Get creative with how you offer alternate activities to kids. If children enjoy dancing, offer them the chance to go to dance class a few times per week. You may then suggest that they spent time practicing their dance steps instead of spending extra time staring at a screen. Setting guidelines on screen time can help kids have more time to discover other activities such as sports.
Heap Praise on Your Kids for Jobs Well Done
Positive reinforcement can offer both long-term and short-term benefits for kids. It is good for children's confidence and well-being, but it needs to be sincere and varied. Be involved in how your kids are physically active, then offer feedback. For example, occasionally observing a dance class allows you to offer specific compliments about what your kids achieve in class.
Try to avoid putting pressure on your children to win or achieve certain things with their activities. Instead of praising kids when their team wins, point out positive things about the way they played the game regardless of the outcome. Praise them for things such as their effort, follow-through, natural talents, sportsmanship, teamwork, and acts of kindness.
Set a Positive Example When It Comes to Fitness
Stay active if you want to motivate your children to be active themselves. When your little ones see you enjoying exercise, they are more likely to perceive it as a fun thing to do. Whether they want to try some of the activities you like or branch out to try a different form of exercise, your choice to be consistently physically active can leave a lasting impression.
Finally, with your guidance, kids will develop more internal motivation over time. Meanwhile, enrolling your children in fun programs can empower them to discover physical activities they enjoy for a lifetime. The YMCA offers a variety of dance lessons, sports activities, and other opportunities to play and have fun while being physically active.