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Each child enjoys different exercise activities. Try different activities with your children to see what they like best. Put on some upbeat music and have a dance party with the kids. Take them out for a bicycle ride. Get them an inexpensive pair of roller skates or rollerblades and hunt down a park with fairly smooth terrain. Or just jump ropes with the kids. Putting a playset in the back yard is another way to encourage kids to get exercise. Play games such as tag, capture the flag, follow the leader or kick the can with your children. Take your children to the park or a playground where there are many other children. Take them on a hike to explore nature. In the summer, take them swimming. Sign your child up for competitive sports you know he loves, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey or tennis. Also see if there are classes for things such as aerobics, jazzercise, yoga, tennis or martial arts in your area.
Whatever type of exercise you choose for your child, make sure that it's appropriate to his age before you get him started. For preschoolers, select exercises that develop motor skills. For school-age children, choose activities that the child is physically able to do fairly well, as activities that are too challenging will discourage them from exercising. - There are many ways to fit exercise into your kids' routines without their being aware that they're exercising. For example, if your child's school is close to your home, walk or ride bikes with him each morning and afternoon. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you're in buildings with more than one story. Park at the end of the parking lot whenever you go shopping.
- When you're taking your children outdoors for activities such as riding bikes or roller skating, always have them wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Keep bikes and skates in good repair. Instruct your kids about road safety. For example, have them stop at each road, alley and other intersection they encounter, regardless of whether there is a stop sign. Keep your kids within eyesight and tell them to slow down if they're going too fast. Watch out for steep downhill declines, especially when rollerskating or rollerblading. Use sunscreen during the hot months. Supervise children carefully when swimming and swim where a lifeguard is present whenever possible.
