Kids naturally love to play and stay active, and watching them in action is a joy. When we make physical activity a part of their daily routine, it becomes a fun and healthy habit that benefits them in a good way. However, in the modern digital age, kids often spend too much time on their phones or tablets, especially with tempting platforms like YouTube and BBC iPlayer.
High-tech PlayStation and tablets with captivating video games have led kids to spend hours sitting in one place, playing endlessly. This increased screen time harms their eyesight and steals away the precious time they should spend running, jumping, and playing outdoors.
However, a mother's lap is the first place where a child learns to thrive in this busy world. So, we can't solely blame technology; parents also play a significant role in guiding their children's interaction with electronic devices. They can help their kids minimize screen time and engage in healthy activities to use their free time best. When parents engage in healthy and active lifestyles with their little ones, they set an example and shape their children's future habits.
The Joys and Advantages of Staying Active for Kids
For us, the idea of spending an hour exercising every day might seem tiring and dull. But for kids, it's a whole different story. They find joy in chasing balls at the park, rolling around in the grass, and sweating it out during playtime. These activities become a source of inner happiness for them. Unlike inactive iPad kids, who often experience restlessness after being glued to screens, active youngsters cherish being engaged in such playful activities.
Here are the incredible benefits that staying active brings to our children:
- Grow Strong and Healthy
Raising a healthy, strong child is no easy task. It takes untiring efforts and focused attention to ensure children actively participate in healthy recreational activities.
Exercise helps kids grow strong and healthy, strengthening their muscles and bones. It keeps them energetic and less prone to illness. Moreover, being active improves their heart and lung health, setting them up for a healthy future.
- Build a Confident and Resilient Personality
An active child is a healthy child. As they say, a healthy mind lies in a healthy body. When kids stay active, they gain confidence. Whether through team sports, group activities, or working out with family, they learn teamwork and empathy, making them socially and emotionally stronger.
Physical activities teach them to overcome challenges, push through obstacles, and bounce back from setbacks. These experiences build confidence and self-belief that can benefit them in all aspects of life. Being active helps children manage anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and improve their cognitive skills. They feel proud and accomplished as they reach fitness goals and improve their skills.
- Stay Energized and Full of Life
Encouraging kids to stay active is crucial for their emotional well-being. When they adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, their bodies naturally feel more lively and enthusiastic. Research shows that physical activity triggers the release of dopamine, often called the "happy hormone."
For example, if your child loves playing soccer, getting ready for a game can instantly improve their mood. Once they start playing, dopamine is released, making them happier and eager to continue. So, getting kids active not only keeps them physically healthy but also uplifts their mood.
7 Ways to Encourage Children to be More Active
The American Psychological Association says that if kids learn to eat healthy and stay active when they're young, they're more likely to keep up those habits as they grow older. So, parents must create a fun and adventurous environment that encourages an active lifestyle from an early age. The following are the seven tried-and-true methods to spark kids’ passion for physical activities:
1. Educate and Inspire Kids for Healthy Living through Fun Activities
Encouraging kids to stay active and healthy is all about making it enjoyable and natural. Parents must understand what activities their children love and support them without pushing too hard. They can educate their kids about the benefits of an active lifestyle by encouraging them to join sports programs they enjoy, like swimming or basketball.
Apart from that, watching action movies based on sports and fitness can also show how staying active is not only important but also exciting and cool. This approach helps kids understand the importance of staying active and nurtures a love for physical fitness from a young age.
2. Plan Exciting Family Adventures for Active Fun
Parents must think outside the box when planning family activities. Instead of sticking to the same old routine, spice things up with exciting adventures like jumping rope, playing football, or flying kites on a breezy day.
Going for walks together as a family, whether it's a stroll through the local park or a hike in the countryside, is a great way to bond and stay active. Just to give you an idea of how enjoyable it can be, you can add a trip to one of the National Trust's beautiful estates. Children are more likely to participate and have fun this way. It's a chance for them to explore, have a blast, and stay fit.
3. Fuel Motivation with Prizes and Competition
Competitiveness is a natural human trait and can be a motivator for the young generation. When kids participate in a competition, they tend to get more curious, do their research, and get better at teamwork. It's like they see it as a cool challenge to tackle, so they dive in with all their energy and excitement.
Parents can elevate the fun by organizing exciting competitions, like races or mini sports tournaments. They can add more excitement to it by offering prizes. The awards don't have to be fancy, you can offer them cute stickers of their favorite anime characters.
As a prize, you could treat them to a meal at their favourite restaurant or their favourite dish, like steak and kidney pie or bangers and mash. You could sweeten the deal with a soda or ice cream treat. The key is to celebrate their wins, big or small, to keep them motivated and active.
4. Limit Screen Time, Boost Playtime for Your Kids
Limiting screen time is a big win for keeping kids active and healthy. They have more opportunities to stay active when they're not stuck to screens. According to the Australian Parents Council, it's recommended that children aged 5 to 12 shouldn't spend more than 2 hours a day watching screens for fun. For younger kids, like 2 to 5-year-olds, it's just an hour. And if they're under 2, no screen time is best.
By setting limits on screen time, parents create space for kids to engage in physical activities like playing outside, playing rugby, or riding bikes.
You can also improve kids’ well-being by getting involved in Change4Life, a health program in England that encourages children to be more active. It's a great way to support your child's health and well-being while having fun together as a family.
5. Bond with Your Little Ones Through Sports
Children model their parents and mimic their behaviors. So, be a role model by leading an active lifestyle yourself. Joining them in the local park or spending time outdoors in nature can provide them with opportunities to play and exercise. You can inspire them by participating in activities like frisbee throwing or hiking in family outings. You could also plan a cycling trip with your kids. Find safe cycling routes near your home, maybe along a Sustrans National Cycle Network path.
These fun-filled activities can spark a passion in your child's heart. When they see you joining in and playing with them enthusiastically, it motivates them to stay active. So, don't hesitate to jump in and have fun. Your involvement brings your family closer and teaches them to enjoy staying healthy and active for life.
6. Choose Comfy Clothes for Active Play Every Day
Toddlers jump into games vigorously without worrying about getting tangled or ripping their outfits. Extremely loose or tight clothes can restrict movements, hinder their play, and even cause injuries. Whether climbing the jungle gym at Diana Memorial Playground or crawling around the house, kids need clothes that keep up with their active lifestyle. When kids wear comfortable and easy-to-move-in clothes, they play with boundless energy without any hassles.
7. Snap Your Child's Active Moments
Take snapshots of your kids as they roll, tumble, and play actively in the park or at home. These pictures can be more than just memories—they can be powerful motivators. Snapping energetic and captivating photos of your kids fully immersed in outdoor activity creates lasting memories and encourages them to participate in healthy endeavors.
Hang them up in your child's room so they can see them daily. When they look at these photos, they'll feel happy and excited. It's like giving them a little energy boost whenever they need it. You could even have them strike poses similar to their favourite character from Marvel or Kung Fu Panda, showing strength through their moves. Kids will love posing like such action heroes because it makes them feel a part of his magical adventures.
Prioritize Comfy Wearables for Active Living – Dress Your Little Munchkins in ADTIGO
Dressing your little ones in Adtigo clothing isn't just about fashion—it's about helping them feel confident and comfortable as they play and explore. Adtigo's clothes are stylish and designed with your child's comfort in mind. They allow for quick moisture evaporation, keeping your child feeling fresh and dry during all their activities.
With Adtigo, there's no need to change outfits for different occasions. Their clothing is versatile enough to wear from the playground to dinner or the mall. When you dress your little toddler girls in Adtigo, they can be stylish and confident wherever they go. Adtigo's trendy apparel allows them to express themselves comfortably while playing. It's a win-win for both style and comfort.