Physical activity works to reduces stress and has a calming effect. For kids in particular, staying active is important for a variety of different reasons. For instance, being active makes them happier and able to pay better attention at school. Physically fit children are less likely to have a problem with either obesity or type 2 diabetes, both of which are affecting a growing number of young people. When kids are active and engaged, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors. Besides all the health benefits, it’s simply fun to get and stay fit. Here are a few ideas for making sure your kids stay fit and healthy while having fun outdoors.
Get them on the move
The end of the school year means the end of a lot of stressful activities for children – no more schooling, exams, and homework, leaving plenty of time for enjoying the freedom of exploring outdoor pursuits – that is, it should in theory. Increasingly, however, technology has caused more and more young people to lead a more sedentary life, eschewing traditional sports and games for the onscreen variety. The trouble is that endlessly watching TV and playing video games is known to increase your child’s body mass index (BMI) significantly, causing health problems in adult life.
Depending on your circumstances and the age and fitness level of your child, you can encourage them to engage in some or all of the following activities:
-
Biking
-
Dancing
-
Jumping rope
-
Running
-
Skating
-
Swimming
-
Trampolining
-
Tree climbing
-
Walking
-
Sports including hockey, baseball, tennis, volleyball and football.
The suggestions you make should match the child’s known and preferred activities, and many experts recommend that parents make these suggestions as a reward for completing a chore – as a result, exercise is not viewed as a negative, must-do occupation but as a treat. Keeping equipment handy is a good way to make it easy for your child to get involved – a hula-hoop or a jump rope is easily stored and retrieved, as are a variety of racquets and balls.
Team up with neighbors
Playing with other young people in the neighborhood also encourages kids to get out and about. Chat with local parents and parents of friends and arrange a few get-togethers, in the park, on the beach, or at a sports center to galvanize the kids into action. If street play is more convenient, consider what they can safely do. Roller blading is generally a good option, and if parents as well as the children have roller blades, it makes for a fun family activity to do together or even a great neighborhood event involving several family groups.
If there are local clubs, perhaps based at a sports center, encourage your child to join in with organized summer activities – they may well make new friends as well as enjoy themselves during their summer break.
Your child’s welfare is one of your priorities as a parent, and helping them to stay well and fit through physical activity is rewarding because you know you’re doing a great job in this supremely important respect.
