There are many reasons why kids might not be getting enough daily exercise as they get older. One issue is educational demands and remaining sedentary for a large part of the day. Another issue is that some kids just believe they aren’t good at sports or don’t particularly have any physically active role models.
The modern era of technology is also a culprit in this. These days there are just too many reasons for kids to be attached to their screens, stuck in the virtual world rather than doing something active in the physical world. But, depending on where you live, you just might not be able to be very active with your kids, and in today’s society there is less of an inclination to let kids freely roam without supervision.
Healthy habits should be started as early as possible, and there is no better habit than maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is up to you as a parent to instill a love of physical activity into your children, and stop them from becoming couch potatoes!
Some of the benefits of regular physical activity include:
Improve bone and muscle strength
Helps to maintain a healthy and controlled weight
Lowers the risk of many diseases including the chance of developing type 2 diabetes
Tires them out and improves their sleep
Helps to maintain a positive and healthy outlook on life
Increases academic performance
Makes them more alert and engaged
Builds self-esteem and confidence
So, with all these benefits there really isn’t any excuse to not get your kids active. But how do you do it?
Match the activity to the age of the child
If the activity is too difficult then the child might become frustrated. If it is too easy, they may become bored. The trick is to strike the right balance between challenge and fun, and that varies depending on the child’s age and temperament. Young children need to be actively playing several times each and every day, and for 7 – 17 year olds, an hour a day is required.
Provide plenty of opportunities for them to get active
You need to make playing and physical activity as accessible as possible for your children. That means being prepared to buy equipment, take them to the park, or enroll them in sports teams. You also need to get your kids enthused and excited about getting active – focus on the fun and don’t make it seem like a chore.
Encourage them and notice their improvements
It goes without saying that as a parent you should be encouraging your child to be the best they can be, and that also extends to physical activity. Help your kids to learn new practical skills such as swimming, bike riding, or a martial art, improving both their abilities and their confidence. Watch as they develop and progress and make sure to praise their accomplishments – when they feel good they will want to keep going.
You don’t have to leave the house to be active
A great way to get kids active without having to go outside is an indoor bounce house. These products are unique in that they allow your kids to be active while also being safe under limited supervision. They are also ideal for families who have little outside space or live far away from amenities. So, here are our top 5 picks if you’re looking for an indoor bounce house.
