In this day and age, it can be really difficult to tear kids away from TV screens and tablets. With summer finally here, it’s a perfect time to try and get your children more involved in exercise, and to ensure they have fun when they’re on the go. If you’ve run out of ideas and you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against a games console, here are some new ways to encourage your kids to be more active.
Join local clubs and teams
Joining a team is an excellent way to make it easier for your child to make friends, and it’ll also encourage them to spend more time running around and letting off steam. There are so many team sports you can try, from football and touch rugby to cricket, netball, hockey, and tennis. Being part of a team gives kids a sense of belonging and identity, and it can also teach them valuable life lessons like working with others and being cooperative. If you’ve moved recently, and you’re not familiar with the area, search online for local clubs or ask your child’s teachers or other parents for recommendations.
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Encourage healthy competition
Life is all about competition, and it’s important for children to learn what it means to win or lose. If your kids take an interest in sport, encourage them to stay motivated and to try and progress and develop by promoting healthy competition. Race each other, try and score as many goals as possible in the garden or set up your own summer sports competition and invite friends and family members to participate. If you take a look at sites like Trophies Plus Medals, you can order child-friendly cups and medals that can be awarded to the winners. Set out a schedule, send out some invites, and work out what kinds of activities you’re going to try. You can put your own spin on sports day with sack races, running races or egg and spoon dashes, or take inspiration from the Olympics with sprints, throwing events and jumping, or tennis, gymnastics or swimming competitions.
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Spend more time together
Setting a good example is the best way to get your kids on board with a new, more active lifestyle. Try and take advantage of the long, hazy days and spend more time together. Go swimming, go dancing, take a trip to the ice rink or get your bikes out. Even if you don’t have any equipment, you can still enjoy the great outdoors. Next time you’ve got a free weekend, why not go for a walk in the woods and hit the beach armed with a badminton set, a ball or a frisbee?
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If you’ve tried and failed to get your kids more interested in active pursuits, hopefully, this guide will prove useful. Kids want to have fun, so try and vary the kinds of activities you do, spend time together, and get friends and family involved. Get outdoors, play games, encourage your kids to be competitive and take advantage of those sun-drenched days. We all know they won’t last for long!