Like adults, kids need daily physical activity. Here are some ways to help your child move every day:
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Set a good example. If your children see that you are physically active and have fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active throughout their lives.
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Encourage your child to join a sports team or class, such as soccer, dance, basketball, or gymnastics at school or at your local community or recreation center.
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Be sensitive to your child's needs. If your child feels uncomfortable participating in activities like sports, help him or her find physical activities that are fun and not embarrassing.
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Be active together as a family. Assign active chores such as making the beds, washing the car, or vacuuming. Plan active outings such as a trip to the zoo or a walk through a local park.
Because his or her body is not ready yet, do not encourage your pre-adolescent child to participate in adult-style physical activity such as long jogs, using an exercise bike or treadmill, or lifting heavy weights. FUN physical activities are best for kids.
Kids need a total of about 60 minutes of physical activity a day, but this does not have to be all at one time. Short 10- or even 5-minute bouts of activity throughout the day are just as good. If your children are not used to being active, encourage them to start with what they can do and build up to 60 minutes a day.
FUN physical activities for your child to try:
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Riding a bike
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Climbing on a jungle gym
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Swinging on a swing set
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Jumping rope
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Playing hopscotch
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Bouncing a ball
