- Regular physical activity is essential for children’s overall development and well-being.
- Even small changes in children’s daily routines can significantly affect their health and well-being.
- Planning a daily routine is a great way to keep your kids active throughout the day.
- Creating a home gym using everyday household items can encourage kids to start moving.
- Be a role model by incorporating physical activity into your day-to-day routine.
In today’s world, children are spending more time indoors than ever before. With technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic causing many schools to switch to online learning, kids lack physical activity opportunities. Unsurprisingly, the World Health Organization recommends children aged 5 to 17 need at least one hour of moderately intense physical activity per day.
Getting kids to be physically active can be challenging for parents, but there are plenty of ways to get your children moving, even if you’re indoors. This blog will share some tips on keeping sharing some tips on how to keep your kids physically active at home.
The Importance of Physical Activity for Kids
Physical activity is essential for children’s overall development and well-being. It promotes physical health and enhances the mental, social, and emotional aspects of children’s lives. Regular physical activity ensures that kids maintain healthy body weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The Challenges Parents Face
Sadly, it’s not always easy to get children to stay active. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for kids to engage in physical activities such as swimming, soccer, biking, and other outdoor sports. Most schools are closed indefinitely, which means fewer physical education classes for students and limited access to playgrounds or sports facilities.
Thus, parents must devise creative ways to keep their kids physically active at home without compromising on the fun factor.
Creative Ways to Keep Kids Physically Active at Home
Here are a few ways for families to stay physically fit while still having fun:
Plan a Daily Routine
Planning a daily routine is a great way to keep your kids active throughout the day. Create a schedule that includes regular times for physical activity, such as exercise breaks or outdoor play. Make sure to vary the activities so your children don’t get bored. Activities like dancing, yoga, or jumping jacks are perfect for getting your kids moving and can be done indoors.
Create a Home Gym
Creating a home gym doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use everyday household items to make your workout equipment. For example, you could use a jug of water or milk as a weight, a chair for dips, or stairs for step-ups. If you feel more ambitious, you could purchase resistance bands or a yoga mat. Having dedicated space for a home gym will encourage your kids to get up and start moving.
Incorporate Sports
If your child loves sports, you can incorporate it into your daily routine. Of course, you can’t construct a soccer field in your backyard, but you can buy interactive branded sports inflatables designed for indoor play.
What’s great about these is that they don’t take up too much space and are still just as fun. From football toss to 3D soccer jumper, you can find the perfect sports inflatables to get your kids moving and having fun.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
While technology can often be blamed for sedentary lifestyles, it can also be used to your advantage. There are many apps and videos available on YouTube that promote physical activity for kids. For example, Cosmic Kids Yoga is a YouTube channel teaching kids yoga using stories and characters.
Be a Role Model
Kids learn by example, and you can encourage them to be active by doing it yourself. If you spend all day sitting at a desk or on the sofa, your kids are less likely to be involved. Make an effort to be more involved in your daily life, such as walking rather than driving or running before breakfast. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, and your kids will be likelier to do the same.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your kids physically active at home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By creating a daily routine, creating a home gym, going for a walk, using technology to your advantage, and being a role model, you can encourage your kids to be more active in their daily lives. Remember, even small changes in your children’s daily routine can significantly affect their overall health and well-being. So, get your kids up and moving today, and you’ll give them the tools to lead a healthier and happier life.
