Things You'll Need:
- Some time to spend with your child
- Patience as interest in physical activity may increase slowly
-
Step 1
First, children do follow in our footsteps so we have to set the right example. As hard as it is to come home from a day of work and get outside and active with a child, the parent/guardian has to do it. If all a child sees is the adults in their life sitting in front of the tv or computer all day and night, that is what they will learn to do. It is awfully hard for a child to sit inside when they hear fun being had outside by the adults in their lives. Yes, it is easier to simply put the kids in a room with their favorite game or tv show but the benefits of getting active with them should cause the parent to do the right thing and step outside to play ball, or swing, or bike, or... And that takes us to step #2.
-
Step 2
Find out what physical activity or sports the child is interested in. Help expose them to different things by taking them to different sporting events and trying different outdoor activities like hiking, biking, basketball, skateboarding, fishing, swimming, or even just going to a playground. Pay attention to what activities the child gets interested in and encourage them in that activity. Pay attention to what their friends are doing and see if you can interest your child in the same thing. Be careful since this can sometimes backfire if your child perceives their friends as more accomplished at something and therefore they do not want to attempt it and get laughed at for their lack of skill. Find out where they have an interest and carefully introduce them into that activity. Constantly stress that it is about fun and the experience, not the winning losing, or who is the best.
-
Step 3
Make the physical activity fun. If the child shows an interest in hiking, don't take them on a grueling 3 mile expedition. Keep it short and take a snack along. Try to find a spot where some wildlife will be seen. If the child shows an interest in basketball, don't beat them in the name of "toughening them up." Give them five after they make a shot and pretend it was awesome when they sink a long one. There will be plenty of time to increase the difficulty later, the first goal is simply to get them out there and doing something physical. Don't be discouraged with their lack of ability or short attention span as they will sense your discouragement and not attempt the activity any more so as not to garner your disapproval.
-
Step 4
In summary, in order to get your child to be more physically active you must set a good example and be active yourself. The child's interests and abilities must be taken into account and encouraged carefully. The child needs to see the activity as fun and not stressful. Keep some balance in life and make it fun!
