The world today has become more of a competitive warzone. There is immense pressure for children to be ahead in all things academic. Of course, children do engage in other activities as leisure. But the question is how much of this activity is outside the house.
Today, with the easy availability of smart phones, laptops, tabs, video games, etc, children seem to be spending lesser and lesser time being physically active.
Add to that, school, tuition classes and homework, a child can’t help but spend more time sitting. Health experts are increasingly encouraging parents to ensure that their children are more physically active because obesity is a rising concern in the country.
Here’s what you can do to make sure your kid is more active…
– Children tend to follow you, so be a good role model. Let them see you use the stairs instead of the elevator. When you’re exercising at home, let them see you do it and encourage them to do the same.
– Let children go out to play. An hour of outdoor physical activity will do wonders for their physical as well as mental well-being.
– Encourage your child to take up a sport. Swimming, basketball, volleyball, football, cricket, tennis, badminton, hockey — the list is endless.
– After dinner, try and go for a walk around your building complex.
– If you have a pet, let your child take him for a walk on a regular basis.
– If your son or daughter likes dancing, enroll them in a genre of their choice.
– A step counter, skipping rope or a even a small squeezy ball are effective exercise tools that your child can use in the house.
– Talk about the benefits of healthy living with your child often. Make them aware about the dangers of ill-health and diseases that can arise due to a sedentary lifestyle.
– Take your children shopping and allow them to pick up exercise gear and clothes as per their choice.
– Take your children to the neighbourhood garden often. While there aren’t many left unfortunately, if there is one close by, take advantage of it.
– Take your children hiking and camping every few months. By letting them rough it up and live amidst nature, you are also making them realise the comforts that they take for granted at home.
– If your child is not good in a sport, encourage them to persevere and not give up. Explain to them that everything takes time to come together.
A child requires all the physical activity he/she can get. It is beneficial to their all round development and hence these few things may be of some help to parents who wish to involve their children in physical activities and ensure they remain active.
