As the temperatures begin to drop, many of us love nothing more than to shut the front door, cozy up on the couch, and watch television while getting in the Christmas spirit. However, with winter soon upon us, regular exercise should still be a top concern for both you and your children. Physical activity can boost your mindset, improve cardiovascular health, and help with cognitive function.
As a parent, you must practice what you preach and be a good role model for your kids. So, if you’re concerned about your child’s health and want them to be more active, here are five strategies you can take on board today.
Find Fun Activities
Keeping your kids’ minds stimulated can be tricky. If your children aren’t enjoying a particular activity, they’re likely to throw a tantrum and lose motivation quickly. Therefore, you need to find fun games and activities that your kids will enjoy. If you have an only child, there are tons of activities that you can join in on too. Exercising together is a great way to bond and spend time with your kids. Once your children arrive home from school, you need to find an after school physical activity that keeps them active.
Get Outdoors
As temperatures start to drop, that does not mean you cannot benefit from getting outdoors. As long as your kids are in weather-appropriate clothing, being in the fresh air and playing outside can boost development and wellbeing. Kids love to have freedom, so whether it’s in the backyard or at your local park, having the opportunity to run around, climb and jump can be a great way to keep your child’s health in check. While the coronavirus pandemic may restrict what you can do, you can still get outside for exercise.
Speak to Your Child’s Doctor
If you are concerned about child’s health and fitness, it may be wise to book an appointment with their doctor. Seeing a specialist can not only put your mind at ease, but help you know what action to take next. Your doctor can recommend age-appropriate activities that will keep your kids fit and active.
Include Your Kids in Household Chores
Keeping your household in tip-top condition can be challenging on your own. If your kids are old enough, why not get them involved? Whether it’s tidying their room, cleaning the kitchen, or keeping the living room looking cozy and warm throughout the winter, your kids can highly benefit from getting stuck in with household chores. Working as a team can give your kids something to strive for, meaning they’ll get a great sense of accomplishment once they’ve finished their chores.
Remove Distractions
Many children spend their free time surfing through social media platforms on their smartphones and tablets. While social media can be good for keeping your kids connected with their friends, too much screen time can change their behavior and mood. As parents, you should remove distractions and limit TV time in favor of exercise.
With Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays coming up, the last thing you want is for your kids to lounge around the house all day and night. Regular exercise is beneficial for all ages and capabilities. So, taking all the advice above into account can help motivate your kids to exercise.