Once we start to increase our own physical activity, we want our children to enjoy being physical as well. It may be difficult at first for some older children to become excited about being active if they have not already been active. Be positive and sensitive to how they may be feeling and find activities where they will find success and you will build self confidence in them to try more activities. Younger children are often moving without parents' encouragement! They HAVE to be moving! Here are some ideas for families:
- Have the children take part in deciding what activity will be done. It may take them a few times to figure out what they do enjoy
- Playgrounds, parks and trails are natural places to become more active as a family and for the children to make new friends.
- Even 15 minutes of your time can be made active in your home or out in public – try running the hallway or hill twice, jumping jacks, a beach ball or pinecone tossed in the air or passed by kicking or on all fours, walking the neighbor's dog, playing tag or hopscotch.
- Sign the family up for soccer, swimming, climbing, dance lessons and practice together between lessons. Your local county Department of Recreation often has inexpensive classes. The children and parents will build the skills needed to become successful!
For additional ideas: www.wiggleintohealth.com , http://www.lds.org/hf/display/0,16783,4283-1,00.html , http://www.fitfamily.ca/blog/tag/physical-activity/ , http://familyfitness.about.com/od/motivation/tp/family_fun_tips.htm , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8dGKIHgaCo
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