Humans are fundamentally creatures of habits, and once they’re in place, they can be difficult to change.
That’s part of why it’s so important for children to learn healthy habits while they’re still young. Studies have repeatedly shown, for instance, that children who exercise go on to become healthier adults. And as we all know, being healthy as an adult can have a profoundly positive impact on an individual’s life. It’s not just about helping to keep chronic health conditions at bay — though that is an advantage — but also about boosting mental well-being and energy levels.
Most parents are sold on the idea of the importance of having their children exercise. The problem? Actually getting them to do so can be more challenging than many parents expect, especially in an age when it feels like screens and devices dominate attention.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways for parents to gently guide their children in the right direction. In this post, we’ll run through some of the most effective strategies for helping your child effortlessly fall in love with the magic of exercise.
Make It Fun
Adults can find the concept of exercising boring, and that feeling is only amplified among children. A child will be much less likely to be enthusiastic about exercise if they connect it with negative feelings, such as boredom or something they have to do rather than get to do.
Working to make exercise fun can make all the difference to a child’s view of exercise. In the early days, avoid the pitfalls associated with exercise by working to eliminate the not-so-pleasant elements, such as keeping score or even committing to a specific amount of time. If possible, keep it as light and unstructured as can be.
Be Their Biggest Fan
A little encouragement can go a long way. In fact, experts say that being your child’s biggest cheerleader is one of the best ways to support your child’s fitness journey, since it can give them the confidence and motivation they need to get past the hurdles that everyone who plays a sport comes up against at some point or another. It goes from being something that they do on their own to something that they feel completely supported in.
Allow Them To Choose Their Own Activities
Your child might love the popular sports that everyone else plays, or they might not. If they don’t, then being forced to play those sports can instill a long-lasting dislike of physical activity that can be difficult to undo later. Let them choose their own activities, whatever they may be. After all, they’ll be much more likely to stick with something if they genuinely enjoy it.
Be An Inspiration
Children pick up a lot from their parents, much more than just what they’re told. If your child can see you exercising and enjoying it, then they’ll be much more likely to associate it with something that offers value. You can even do some activities, such as going for a walk in nature, together.