6 Ways to Encourage Kids to Be More Active

Does your child prefer to be on the phone rather than on the ground? If yes, then this one’s for you.

Participation in physical activities drops drastically once the grade and age of children multiply. In a recent study, it was found that more than 65% of children have become addicted to smartphones since the pandemic has hit the world.

And that is scary. Because this is just not a figure but an actual representation of how many children are getting addicted to screens everywhere. Moreover, due to the no-regulation of online content, children are more prone to inappropriate content.

If this isn’t enough, hear this, 8th graders who are heavy users of social media are 27% more prone to depression.

So, it has become more important than ever, that we encourage our kids to stay more and more active in real life than on the phones. If you are having trouble with it, then take the help of this list. It has got everything that you need. Let’s go.

1. Include Exercise

The easiest way to encourage kids to stay more active is by getting them involved more in physical activity. If you are looking for a way to start, you can get started with yoga.

It’s simple and easy to get started yet gives a lot of benefits. With yoga, your child is also going to develop more focus and self-reliance.

Not only that, his overall health and flexibility are also going to improve, and with time, you won’t even have to worry about his laziness.

2. Help them join sports

There is always going to be one kind of sport that your child is fond of. Be it gymnastics, baseball, football, or swimming. Identify it and support them to do that more. If you make an effort to help develop his interest, your child will definitely love to do it further.

You can even join her on the weekends, it will become a great way to spend family time together.

3. Be a good role model

Children develop the habits they see in their houses. So, if you are on the phone every other hour, or just chill on the couch for long hours, your child will subconsciously adopt these habits, meaning she will slowly turn into a lazy lad like you.

So, try to be more active and interact in different physical activities with them. If you aren’t getting time, do it on the weekdays. Some planning can make a huge difference.

4. Bring more fun toys

If you are tempted to buy the new PS5 for your little girl or boy, it’s a humble request not to. Playing games that do not require any kind of physical activity is the worst thing you can do for your child. They will make them addicted and lazy.

If you want to give toys to them, give actionable toys like ride on toys, a toy tent, or anything that doesn’t require them to sit in one place for hours. You can also Google cubby houses online, or water guns from Gel Blaster, and explore them.

These games help your children to go outside and play, which will make them more active and agile. That is, of course, a lot better than staring at a computer screen for hours at stretch.

5. Take their help in household chores

If you are a child who is not committed to other activities, ask for their help in household chores. Give them small do-able activities and appreciate their help. They will be happy to do it.

This is also necessary because when things like this are taught from a young age it does not become a burden when they reach their teenage years.

Also, it’s one of the best ways you can get them to share everything with you and develop your bond with them.

6. Set limits

Children these days are bound to get attracted to phones and different visual games. So, if you think restrictions are going to keep them away from phone addiction. You are wrong. Because the more you restrain someone from doing something, the more they will do it.

So, instead of an absolute ban, set limits.

Set limits for watching TV, phones, video games, computers and use the free time to include them in more physical activities.

Over to you…

Remember, your children are like raw clay…. If you shape them well, it will impact both your and your kid’s life, so, cultivate good habits in them.

And with these tips, I am sure you will be able to get all the help that you need.