Encouraging children to participate in activities can be challenging when dealing with the influx of the many other alternatives that demand the attention and creativity of youth today. From television to computers to cellular phones, technology has captivated the time and attention of many young children, drawing them away from other activities and physical exertion. Some creative and easy activities can be incorporated into a family's current routines and aid in encouraging children to become more active.
Step 1
Take family outings that include everyone in the household. This will influence children by seeing everyone participate together in a physical activity. Creating a separate time for family activities will encourage younger children to expect engaging time with parents, siblings and life. They will get excited about the different adventures that await them.
Step 2
Incorporate various chores and obligations around the house. Creating responsibility within the family unit---as well as providing activity through participation of necessary chores---will have a dynamic effect on children, according to studies performed by the CRC Health Group.
Step 3
Make activity a normal part of life, and set the example of this routine to your children. Children will re-enact what they see at home, so be sure to include them in different fitness endeavors you take part in and let them see how much enjoyment and fulfillment you receive from being active, observes Edward Laskowski, M.D., a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and co-director of the Sports Medicine Center at the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Create absolute boundaries with your children about how much time they can have to enjoy the computer, television or cell phone. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends restricting children to no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of computer, television and cell phone use. Once these boundaries are in place, create a plan that will incorporate an activity in exchange for certain time spent on electronic activities; for example, 2 hours of television will create 45 minutes of activity with the television off. An activity can be anything from helping with dinner, walking the dog, watering the plants or playing with a sibling and building forts. Keep activity rewarding and creative to keep children engaged and excited about being active and involved with life.
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