Parenting Article:

10 Ways to Make Kids Exercise Fun

By: Lisa Haynes

Due to the increased use of television and computers, children are less active. As a consequence, Childhood Obesity is on the increase and becoming a real issue for a lot of parents. You only need to take a look around the school playground to see the truth of this matter.

To meet Australian standards, children should be engaging in some sort of physical activity 60 minutes every day (this does not need to be at the one time, it can be spread over varying intervals). This does sound like a lot for you and me. However, most children enjoy being active and getting them to engage in different activities is not difficult. Just make exercise FUN!
Here are a few hints to begin.

1. Go on an 'Adventure walk'. Just by giving it this name will ignite excitement in small children. You only need to walk around a few streets where you live. For older children, you can include a map to follow.

2. Play 'follow the leader' to the park. Take turns being the leader, climb, run, jump and use the park equipment as an obstacle course.

3. Play a game of 'Tag' with your kids for 5-10 minutes then 'Hide and Seek'. Not only will your kids enjoy the time you spend with them, you will also reap the benefits of a bit of exercise yourself.

4. Turn up the music and turn your lounge room into a Disco. You and the kids can dance for 5-10 minutes, and perhaps have a 'Dance Off'. Who has the best dance moves. Not only is this a great way to get active, you will be rolling around on the floor laughing.

5. Quite a number of schools run 'after school' activities/programs to get kids active. You can make enquiries at your school and find out what your school is doing to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

6. Other activities you might like to try are rollerblading, swimming, trampolining, beach activities, Frisbee, basketball, etc.

7. Make exercise a priority and part of your lifestyle. Plan a different activity every weekend. Try kayaking, horse riding, bushwalking, surfing, skiing etc.

8. Are you involved in a sport? Take your kids with you and let them see you engage in physical activity. This will encourage kids and see that being active is the natural thing to do.

9. Start a vegetable garden. This has many benefits, apart from the exercise the kids will learn about gardening and will get to eat what they grow – which is definitely a healthy option.

10. Join a club and get involved. Netball, soccer, basketball, swimming, football, bushwalking, guides, scouts etc The more involved you become, the more interested and involved your children will become too.

When kids exercise the benefits they receive are amazing. It stimulates their minds, bodies and gives them more energy. Exercise stimulates their educational growth, giving them better concentration, creativity and problem-solving abilities. These kids sleep better and have better eating habits, which will set them up for life. Exercise is also said to reduce depression, aggression and anxiety, while boosting self-image and confidence.

Get the whole family involved, and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.

My name is Lisa Haynes; I am a very proud mother of three, and I am primary school teacher.

To help make your mornings run smoother and expand your child's wardrobe with choices they will LOVE have a peek at www.coolkidslabels.com for WHOLESALE priced Licensed Kids Clothing – Delivery to your door.

Cool Kids Labels: For All Your Kids Clothing & Accessories In Australia - Ben 10, Barbie, Dora the Explorer, My Little Pony, Thomas the Tank Engine, Elmo, Hannah Montana, Disney Princess, Care Bears, Hi 5, Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Sketchers and many more.

Back to Parenting Articles