The 5 Ways to Make Your Kids Physically Active

Multiple studies have shown that physical activity is highly beneficial for the overall health of individuals. Experts also advise that the earlier you start exercising, the better the benefits. Hence the importance of kids being physically active. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that, like adults, children should cover a minimum quota of physical activity each day. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 must spend at least 60 minutes daily in physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity. The activities may include running, fast walking, cycling, jumping, dancing, and playing sports.  

There are a lot of benefits that come with engaging in physical activities. They ensure optimal growth, help build strong muscles and bones, increases energy reserves, help to maintain a healthy weight, and oxygenate the brain, optimizing its learning capacity. It can also prevent the appearance of diseases related to excess body weight, such as type 2 diabetes. 

How to Make Your Kids Physically Active?

The National Institutes of Health of the United States (NIH) reveals that parents have a fundamental role in the amount of physical activity their children perform. Parents must demonstrate it first to encourage little ones to be more active. Remember that kids generally do what they see you doing rather than what you tell them to do. This is how you can effectively teach your children the importance of engaging in physical activities. 

According to a study, children who adopt active lifestyles at a young age are less likely to develop obesity when they grow.  

Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every one in three children is overweight or obese. This group indicates that children and adolescents spend an average of seven hours a day before televisions, computers, telephones, and other electronic devices for entertainment instead of healthier options such as physical games and sports.  

Here are five tested and ways you can help your kids become physically active: 

1. Give them a Wanlow Adventure Box

Kids are naturally curious, and getting them an adventure box will excite them the more. If you have a child between the ages of 6-11, you can engage them in outdoor activities with the kids outdoor monthly box from Wanlow. 

The box contains learning material and games based on themes like animals, astrology, plants, nature, star gazing, gardening, etc. These games help your child play outdoors and learn about nature. Moreover, the activities found in each wallow box also stimulate multiple senses of your child, increasing their attention span and reducing stress.  

You can subscribe to this terrific box for just $49.99 monthly to keep your children active and physically fit. Wanlow offers free US shipping for this box and also gives you the freedom to pause, skip or cancel your subscription at any time.  

2. Engage children in plenty of physical activities 

Help your children stay active by providing them with the necessary equipment, signing them up for classes or sports teams, and visiting the playgrounds or other recreational centers where they can engage in physical exercise and become active. 

When children enjoy an activity, naturally, they will be inclined to do it more often. Practice helps improve skills and helps children feel accomplished, especially when their efforts are recognized and praised. 

3. Make fun Primary goal 

Remember that children will not participate in an activity they do not enjoy. Try and make any activity you choose attractive to them.  Also, you can play with your children in the afternoon after work, during weekends, or in your free time to encourage them to stay active. 

For every activity, ensure they have the opportunity to have fun. Children love fun and would always respond to activities that guarantee that.  

4. Concentrate on the Right Diet 

Diet plays a significant role in how active your child can be. Starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and bread can be a source of energy for them, improving their performance and physical fitness.

Picky eating can be a tough habit to beat. Therefore, introducing a wide variety of food in the ˜flavor window' from six to 18 months is advisable. Expose your baby to different savory flavors, including veggies, meat, herbs, spices, and fats, to help expand their palate. This strategy can help curb future picky eating tendencies. 

Children can benefit from eating healthy snacks from reputable companies like Serenity Kids. These companies help parents fight picky eating by manufacturing healthy, visually appealing foods. They follow industry standards, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the snacks like the meat sticks they produce. 

Furthermore, using dessert as a reward or punishment for eating isn't effective for picky eating. This practice is only a temporary solution that can bring life-long consequences as they associate discipline with food. 

If your little one doesn't want to eat what you prepare, ask open-ended questions to explore your child's thoughts and emotions. 

Some children get turned off by what food looks like. You can cut the food into smaller pieces, transfer it to another container, or take other creative steps to make it look more appealing. 

Once your child feels you're open to changing the food, you can earn their trust and promote a meaningful eating experience. As they grow older, they will carry these good eating habits with them.

5. Choose age-appropriate activities 

In addition to age, it's essential to consider your child's personality and attitude toward physical activity. 

Your child might not be an athlete, which means he has little interest in exercise. However, that he is a shallow athlete does not mean you should discourage him in a competitive setting. 

When you recognize your child's ability or attitude towards sports, it will be easier for you to help him choose an activity. Whatever their personality, all children can stay active and fit. Your positive attitude will be the best to motivate him to lead a healthy life. 

Conclusion  

Teaching your kids to exercise can be one of the best skills and habits to teach them. Not only will you help them live longer, but it is a habit that can help avoid the emergence of many health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, etc.