School breaks and spare time shouldn’t be spent wasted on television, computers and video games. Kids can easily make up reasons not to go outside – such as the weather being too cold or too hot, not finding the activity fun or not being into sports. But these shouldn’t be a reason not to get active!
Encouraging Childhood Activity
Nowadays, there are lots of available physical indoor activities that can be done without leaving your home. Encourage your kids to leave the couch and start doing these activities within the comfort of your home.
Understanding the Importance of Play
Aside from preventing childhood obesity, play is also best for growing brains as it helps a child’s learning progress. Play enables children to acquire different developmental skills such as cognitive and motor skills. These can help them acquire abilities for problem solving, mental planning, evaluation, social skills and physical activity.
Limited but Active TV Time
According to PBS Parents, watching television does not have to be an idle activity. Children do not have to be on the couch all the time. It is best for parents to get them to march, sing and dance with the characters on television. Picking the right show is also the trick. As much as possible, TV time should be limited. Active learning can take many forms. Parents should explain or let their children understand that leisure time must not be spent just on television, computers or video games.
Learn from One Another
A simple way to make kids move is to ask them to teach you how he or she learned that move from karate class – and you in turn can share an easy pose from Yoga or a cool step in dancing. By doing this, you can make teaching and learning an enjoyable and beneficial activity for the both of you.
Household Chores
Physical activities helping healthier bodies in the long run do not always have to be organized or via playgrounds. It can be as simple as doing household chores. Cleaning the kitchen, doing the dishes or sweeping the floor can burn as much calories and allow kids to sweat. This also encourages a sense of growing up among kids. They can eventually develop a sense of responsibility as a member of the family.
Turn on the Tunes
Load up their favorite song and dance to it. You can put a twist on it by playing a game of Freeze. Let someone control the music and dance until it stops. Include challenges by making each level harder by doing different poses.
Get their Hands Dirty
Allow your kid’s creativity and imagination to run free by doing artworks or creating their own game. Provide them different tools and let them create as they please. They can start by baking, doing indoor volleyball using a balloon, going bowling with empty plastic bottles and a ball, doing an easy science experiment, or staring a race by blowing Pom Pom balls.
Play Like the 90’s
Back when TV, computer, and video games were not so famous, kids got creative with play. They found fun in Popsicle sticks, paper, or even a branch stick. Recreate that moment and travel back to the 90’s by playing a treasure hunt at home. You can hide small trinkets and treats for them to find. They can also make a fort out of pillows and bed linens and pretend that it’s their castle and they are the king or queen.
Family Dinner and Health Eating
Diet is also an important part in preventing obesity. The right food will give them energy to play and learn. The Prevention survey reveals that kids who sit down with their family to eat home-cooked meals are less likely to binge on fast food or fattier options. Additionally, children eating with their family regularly, especially dinner, consume more vegetables and fruits and are less tempted to consume fat and soda.
Focus on the Fun for the Short Attention Span
Kids are known to have a short attention span and most kids give up on active play because they don’t find it fun or enjoyable. Being focused on one kind of activity to keep them active is a common misconception among parents. It is very much important to keep any type of activities fun to keep them motivated. Make sure to include variations on their daily physical activity. You can focus on outdoor activities today and the next day can be done indoors masked as a rest day.
Parental guidance is a crucial part in keeping children healthy and active. It is best for guardians to check their children’s specific needs depending on their size, age, and height, among others. Some children require less physical activity while others require more. It also depends on their body composition. Proper diet, exercise and the right tools can help sustain a healthier outlook for kids.
About the Author:
Aby League is a qualitative researcher and a passionate writer. She is an innovator and technology enthusiast. She has been writing about health, psychology, home improvement and technology.
