Get Active Yourself
Children recognize the behaviors of their parents - even if you don’t think they are paying attention. The average adult spends more than half of their day completely sedentary. Even though this behavior is often unintentional, many adults find themselves sitting in the car, then sitting in the office, only to come home and sit on the couch. Research shows that less than 5% of adults are achieving 30-minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Your child recognizes this and will adopt those behaviors because it is what they’ve established as normal. Even if you are going out for a walk on your lunch break or waking up early to squeeze in a workout at the gym, your child may not see these healthy, active habits you’ve established for yourself.
Identify Activities Your Child Enjoys
One surefire way to instill an aversion to physical activity in your child is by encouraging it through activities they don’t enjoy. Identifying, facilitating, and encouraging the type of physical activity that your child likes to do is a great way to establish the foundation for healthy habits that last. Whether it’s signing your child up for a karate class at your local recreational center or playing soccer in the backyard, giving your child access to the activities they enjoy is a great way to not only get them active but also bond as a family through healthy activity.
Limit The Amount Of Screen Time
Another important element in establishing healthy habits is eliminating the more sedentary types of activity that your child may prefer. Doing so in a positive way is essential - if physical activity is used as punishment for spending too much time watching television, you will inadvertently create a relationship between physical activity and negativity. The plays hand-in-hand with encouraging activity your child enjoys. Offering the opportunity to do something physical and fun once they’ve exceeded the allotted amount of screen time is the perfect way to reward the healthy habits you’re trying to create.
Make Physical Activity Fun
The family-friendly activities available are as diverse as they are fun. Taking your child to the movies, to the library, to the zoo, or to the park all play a role in the ongoing development of your child’s physical and mental capabilities. Incorporating more active play activities, such as indoor playgrounds, sports leagues, or camps, are the perfect way to encourage your child to be active in a way they enjoy.
Healthy, Active Kids Establish Reasonable Habits
The most important thing to keep in mind when encouraging physical activity for your child is that healthy amounts of activity have to be reasonable. If you don’t know how much time your child should spend up and active, talk to your primary care doctor to help you create a routine that makes sense for your child. Raising a healthy, active child means establishing realistic habits that they can maintain throughout life.
If you’re looking for an activity your child will love that gets them away from the screens and on their feet, a visit to The Bounce Place is just what you’re looking for. Grab a day pass at your nearest indoor bounce house location for a cost-effective and fun way to get active.