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Step 1
Let your children play. You don't need a jungle gym in your backyard to provide your kids with places to engage in physical play. Physical play can take place inside the house as well as outside. Encourage your children to get moving and to use their bodies frequently. Encouraging kids to play--whether it's organized or not--will also help children's development in a variety of ways beyond physical.
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Step 2
Challenge your children physically. If kids are apprehensive about trying new physical activities, such as climbing across monkey bars or hiking up a steep trail, encourage your children to give it a try. A big part of physical development is trying new activities that challenge the body to do movements it isn't accustomed to. This conditions the body and additionally boosts children's self-esteem as they realize that their bodies can do amazing things.
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Step 3
Enroll your child into a class. Fitness centers often offer classes made specifically for children that are designed to enhance physical development. Look for classes that focus on physical activities that your child may not otherwise engage in, such as gymnastics, dance or swimming. Group sports are also great ways to boost your child's physical development.
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Step 4
Set the stage for health. Children will not excel physically if they don't get nutritious meals and quality sleep at night. Don't provide a constant buffet of junk food and foods full of saturated fats. Instead, provide foods that will assist your child's body in developing optimally. Your child also needs sleep to develop physically, so don't shortchange your child's sleep in an attempt to squeeze in more physical activity.
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Step 5
Lead by example. You will be much less effective in prompting your children to explore their physical capabilities if you spend all day sitting in front of the television. Children learn by example, so a parent who is apprehensive about physical activities is likely to pass on the message to children that being sedentary is acceptable.
