Family Matters: Encouraging exercise
As a parent, it can be tough encouraging your child to exercise, especially in this digital world. But the earlier you start forming habits, the easier it becomes… and if exercise is not a habit at the moment, it’s never too late to start.
Read on for our top tips for getting your kids moving more.
Give encouragement
By encouraging your child to exercise and showing your support, they are far more likely to participate, improving their confidence and social skills. Talk about exercise as a positive activity, because if you’re negative about it, your children will pick up on that and mirror you.
Lead by example
If your kids resist, show them how it’s done by exercising as a family. By being a good role model, getting involved and encouraging exercise, you are showing how important it is.
Make it fun
We all know that it can be difficult to get children off their consoles or phones, but you can encourage them by deciding on an activity to do together. Use guided choice to find an activity that is fun and enjoyable for you both. For example, try a park run or bike ride, a country walk with a healthy picnic or even hula hooping in the garden.
Family-friendly activity ideas:
The running app Couch to 5k is a fantastic way for kids and adults alike to get into running. Over nine weeks, the app will motivate you to run a little bit further each time until you’re able to smash out a 30-minute 5k run. You’ve got this!
Parkrun is a great family activity that happens every week, all over the country. Children as young as four are able to join in and the whole family can take part together on this 5k run. There are options for older children too.
You can also encourage your child to join a sports club or activity group. Is there is a type of exercise or sport that your child really likes? Look for local clubs and take them along to a training session (most clubs allow free taster sessions too).
Ultimately, it’s all about trying to encourage children to exercise, have fun, be active and be healthy. For more support getting your children moving more, sign up to our Beezee Families programme today.
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