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As a mommy of two littles I’m constantly trying to find ways to keep my kids physically active. I want them jumping, dancing, playing, running, skipping, galloping, you name it!
The problem is that by trying to wear them out, I actually wear myself out too! And they have energy that lasts long beyond mine.
Benefits Of Keeping Kids Physically Active
There are so many reasons to keep your kids physically active. Getting plenty of large-motor movement promotes heart and lung health, improves posture, and helps with self-esteem. It also allows kids to explore, discover and use their imaginations.
The key is to make it fun. Instead of setting up specific, structured activities and expecting your kiddos to want to play along, try giving them opportunities, and letting them take the lead.
I’ve learned that implementing certain habits into our daily lives allows my kids to maintain a good level of physical activity every day.
Get Them Outside
Outdoor time is an incredible source for so many things and physical activity is definitely one of them. Don’t wait for the perfect weather, as long as it’s a safe temperature, get them outside! You don’t have to stay out all day and it doesn’t have to be something big and amazing. Getting out for a nature walk, or to blow bubbles, or to ride bikes can be a wonderful start.
Because we lived in an apartment for the first few years of my kiddos lives, we had to be a little more strategic. We went outside a lot, but we didn’t have a yard or anything fancy. Walks were amazing but after a while they got boring.
So finally I started something new. We began rotating through a few of the local parks in our area. We went to a different one every day, as part of our routine on the way home from picking my daughter up from school. Some days we’d spend 10 minutes there. Other days, the entire afternoon. We stayed close to home, and left whenever we felt like it!
Music
Let’s face it, in almost every state there are several months when it’s just not that fun to be outside. When that’s the case, music is a great way to keep your kids physically active!
Keeping a playlist on your phone of some fun songs your kids love, will allow you to pull it up at a moment’s notice. I do this when things are crazy or when I need a little pep in my step to power through a tiring day.
Throw some upbeat music on and let the kiddos dance around. They can get their wiggles out, use those amazing singing voices, and of course – move their bodies!
Minimize Screen Time OR Choose Shows With Movement
Minimizing screen time can be tough. I’m no expert at it. But I do know that when I limit it, my kids are much more fun to be around. So for their sake (and for my own) I do my best! When it’s not possible, I try to find some kid-friendly videos that encourage dancing, gymnastics, or some form of movement or exercise!
A couple of weeks ago my daughter asked if she could do yoga while her little brother took a nap. I have no idea what made her ask this, but I thought it was such a great idea to keep her occupied, physically active, and quiet while her brubby slept.
It was easy! I searched “yoga for kids” on YouTube and several options just popped right up! She had an absolute blast, and I was able to get some work done while she did her thing!
Get Moving Yourself
Easier said than done, but I can help you!!
Though it’s a lot of pressure at times, our kiddos are always watching us! So if we get up and move, it’s likely they will too. You can do this by doing a few jumping jacks, seeing who can do more push-ups (you or your kiddos), or even just getting some work done around the house!
By making if fun, the kids will love the time they get to spend with you and they’ll also get some physical activity in themselves!
Keep It Fun-Focused
Always. Even as I sit here 160 pounds lighter than I once was, the number one thing I can say about exercise is that it has to be fun. I have to love it. And by instilling a fun-focused perspective on exercise in our kids, we’re doing them a massive favor later in life.
Well there you have it! Ways to keep your kids physically active! Try them out and see what works for your family!
