Getting Your Children More Active In The New Year

Life with children at home isn’t always as idyllic as you imagine.

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Without the need to be occupying them constantly there’s everything else a parent needs to do on that never-ending list of chores. In today's society, a lot of children sit on their tablets or phones spending too much time gaming and watching YouTube. On average, a child of today will spend at least 50% less of their time outside during the spare time, as perhaps we would have done a few years ago. However, technology isn’t a bad thing, but it could be combined with other activities to help your children be more active. So if you want to encourage your children to be more active then these ideas could help.

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Be open to new ideas

Sometimes it can be so easy to just dismiss topics of conversation while you are occupied doing other things, but this is where a child can get disheartened. Try and have an open mind and be approachable to new ideas that they may suggest. This might be a new hobby they want to try, or something they want to do outside instead of being cooped up indoors. While you don’t want to go encouraging every idea, as some may be inappropriate, it’s good to keep that line of communication open.

Encourage children to get outside

The next thing you should do is open up the suggestions of heading outside more. If your children aren’t actively wanting to do that make some suggestions yourself. Maybe look into what they do at school or any extra curricular activities they may take part in. Sometimes custom team jerseys and pants and knowing they have all the right gear and equipment can help them to feel more confident getting involved in activities. Encouraging this, and even getting outside with them and join in playing a game could really help your children be more active. Your kids, especially younger ones, are more likely to engage in the activity if you are playing along as well.

Find a unique, yet active way to play inside

Kids are more likely to join in and do something they have never tried before or something they have not done in a long time. For example, you could get an indoor putting green to put in your garage or basement. Some of these can easily be rolled up and put away when not in use. You should check reviews to see which is best for your family.

Instill a little competition

A play date is an excellent way to encourage children to take on more activities outside or that get the heart pumping. So having a few children round at once could be the answer. This is why, during your playdate, you should try and instill a little healthy competition. Perhaps setting up your own Olympic games, or allowing children to make up teams to keep them all occupied. You could even take it one step further and get a prize for the winner or winning team.

Limit screen time

If you are finding it hard to get your children outside, then consider some ground rules and limit the screen time. Even if children don’t get more active generally, limiting the screen time is not a bad thing and better for them in the future. By doing this you could be giving them no other option but to explore new activities and even take on new hobbies. Hopefully this might encourage them to be a little more active with their day.

I hope this helps you to get your children to be more active during the new year and beyond.

This is a contributed post.

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