When video games, cell phones, computers and TVs are all competing with you for a kid's attention, it can seem impossible to convince him to get some exercise. Though it's likely to take some work to emerge victorious, use a few strategies to make moving around seem a lot more appealing.
Make It a Game
Many kids are inherently competitive, especially with their siblings. If you can capitalize on that, you'll have an advantage when it comes to encouraging exercise. One idea is to start a stopwatch and issue a challenge to your kids to clean their rooms as quickly as possible; the fastest time wins. Or organize an outdoor obstacle course or relay race. It might involve jumping through tires, running up a small hill, going down a slide or just running a few circles around the yard as quickly as possible.
Add a Family Focus
Setting a healthy example for kids is important. If they see you being active, they may be more likely to be active themselves. Go out to play with your kids instead of simply sending them out of the house and telling them to get some exercise. Go hiking or camping as a family, walk the dog together, play a pickup game of basketball at a local court, or go for a bike ride around town.
Sign Up for Sports
Some kids who aren't enthused about the idea of exercise won't mind it as long as it involves sports. Try signing your child up for an intramural soccer league, community softball games or a volleyball team at school. If she doesn't seem to like team sports, give tennis or bowling a try, which focus more on individual achievements. Sports can be a fun outlet for kids to exercise because they provide an opportunity to make new friends, build confidence and consistently get better at specific skills.
Be Sneaky
There are plenty of ways to get your kids to exercise without them knowing that they're even doing it. For example, park in the very back of the lot whenever you take your kids on errands, so you'll all have to take a little hike to the store and back. Enlist your kids to help in household activities, too, like cooking and gardening.
Considerations
Keep in mind that if your child is getting any type of physical activity, it's better than nothing and it does count as exercise. According to KidsHealth.org, school-aged children need at least 60 minutes of activity daily, but it's OK for that time to be broken up into 15-minute intervals if necessary. If your child has a health concern that may impact his ability to exercise, talk them over with a pediatrician before encouraging exercise.
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