Physical activity in kids is a must for several reasons. First, it keeps your child in the best state of mind. Regular physical activity ensures better focus and also enhances their overall well-being.

However, these days encouraging children to engage in physical activities after covid [1] is a hassle. Most kids like to stay hooked on their gadgets. Besides, a sedentary lifestyle is becoming a culture among kids.

This lifestyle can cause them trouble in the long run. Nevertheless, some ways can help to increase physical activity in kids. Let’s explore these activities to lead kids out of a sedentary life to a more enjoyable and healthy one.

1. Lead By Example

Children are more likely to be physically active if they see the adults in their lives being active. If Parents and carers are physically active themselves, children will begin to follow in their footsteps. This way, they can encourage their kids to join them.

Parents must incorporate walks, biking, or playing games together in their schedule as a family routine. In addition, you can make them feel motivated by showing them enthusiasm. You can also talk them into exercises and the fun they can have by indulging in physical activities.

2. Encourage Outdoor Play

Perhaps, your child does not engage in physical activity because you are not encouraging them to play outside. Consider spending time outdoors, playing games, and participating in outdoor activities. It can be a fun way for children to get more physical activity.

Make your child join local sports teams, such as soccer, basketball, or baseball. These games allow them to indulge in regular physical activity and have fun simultaneously. Also, they can easily develop a passion for a game; who knows, they might even become pro at it!

3. Organise Active Playdates

Parents can also organise active playdates for their kids. You can encourage children to play actively with their friends by organising playdates. These playdates can involve physical activity, such as playing tag, hide-and-seek, or capturing the flag.

Instead of only involving your kids, you can invite their friends home. This way, they can feel more motivated to enjoy the outdoors. It will improve the health of your kid and their friends. While organising such dates, you only need to choose the most accurate location that kids will love.

4. Limit The Sedentary Lifestyle

Limiting sedentary activities and encouraging outdoor activities in children can promote a healthy lifestyle. Also, it will improve their physical and mental well-being.

You can promote an active lifestyle by setting limits on screen time. Begin by setting rules about the time they can spend in front of the screen. In addition, you can set a time for free play, games, or structured activities like organised sports.

You can even provide them with outdoor equipment, which will help them to stay active outdoors. Exercise can help beat addiction, [2] even the addiction to a sedentary lifestyle.

5. Offer Incentives

Rewards, such as special privileges or treats, are great motivators for children. These incentives allow them to be more active. You can create a reward system for children who spend a certain amount of time outside each day.

Set special treats for them. For instance, you can allow them screen time if they spend their time outdoors. You can also encourage children to challenge their friends to outdoor activities like races, scavenger hunts, or obstacle courses. Besides, consider offering a prize or trophy to the winner as an incentive.

6. Get Creative

Finally, you can get creative with them by offering them a new set of outdoor activities. Some creative ways to be active include hula hooping, dancing, or playing with a jump rope. You can even create a scavenger hunt that takes place outside. The best way to motivate them to participate in these outdoor activities is to offer prizes for children who complete them. You can enrol your children in an online sport course if it is difficult for you to get creative with outdoor activities.

Offering them these incentives will allow you to encourage children to spend more time outside. In addition, they can be more physically active, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Conclusion

A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can hinder the kid’s physical, emotional and mental development. On the other hand, outdoor play helps children improve their physical health by increasing their strength, coordination, and flexibility. Indulging them in more physical activities also helps them maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it also reduces the risk of obesity and other health problems.

There are plenty of ways that you can use to encourage your children to enjoy the outdoors. For instance, you can use the suggestions mentioned above. However, a parent or caretaker must figure out the best methods that work for their child.