With children's attention diverted to television, the Internet and video games, physical activity can get pushed to the wayside. However, regular physical activity -- at least an hour a day -- is vital for your child's health. Physical activity not only engages a child's body and mind, it also helps to strengthen her growing bones and muscles. By helping your child find an activity she loves, you can set her on the path to a lifetime of better health.
Dance Party
Kids love to wiggle and move to the beat. Capitalize on this with a dance party. Create a playlist or CD of your child's favorite upbeat tunes and dance to the music. This is an ideal activity for breaks throughout a day of cleaning or between homework projects. Three 20-minute dance breaks over the course of a study session can help relieve stress and improve your child's fitness.
Active Scavenger Hunt
An active scavenger hunt can be fun and challenging for your child. Best of all, you can set up the scavenger hunt in your home on a rainy day. Hide clues in spaces throughout your house where your child has to participate in an activity to obtain the next clue. Activities could be three minutes of jumping rope, dancing to a favorite song or performing two minutes of jumping jacks. A healthy snack can be a prize at the end of the hunt.
Family/Nature Walk
You are your child's best role model for physical fitness. Engaging in physical activities as a family helps set an example that fitness is important. Taking a family walk together after dinner or scheduling a day on a local nature trail can help your child get active. During the walk, emphasize the benefits of physical activity and take steps to make the walk fun, such as looking for special flowers along the way.
Pick a DVD
Kids can enjoy exercise DVDs just as much as adults, and DVDs geared specifically toward children and their unique health needs are available. Visit your local library or discount superstore with your child and have him select a video. From kickboxing to cardio dance, there is a wide selection. You can even start a video swap group among your friends as a way of keeping exercise fresh while limiting costs.
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