It can be difficult to encourage your kids to step away from their phones, tablets, laptops, and any other screen in the house. Watching TV or YouTube videos might keep them quiet, but all that time spent around technology can be bad for them. Not only will their mental health benefit from spending more time away from these things, but their physical fitness could be improved, too. Here are five ideas to help encourage your kids to be more active and reduce their screen time.
1. School Sports Teams
Encouraging your kids to take part in any extracurricular activities is good, but joining a sports team will certainly be good for their physical health. Although they might take P.E. classes in school already, the extra sports will boost their physical activity closer to the recommended weekly amount. Plus, it is an opportunity for your kids to socialize, make new friends, and learn about teamwork.
2. Obstacle Course
If you have space in your backyard, you could always install a fun obstacle course for the kids to play with. If you or your partner is any good at DIY, you could create one yourself and make it unique to your kids. They will love spending hours challenging themselves and playing on it alone and with friends. It’s a fantastic way to get them active and outside on sunny days.
3. Activity Centers
Instead of taking your kids to the movies at the weekend, head out to an activity center. They are filled with lots of different things for your kids to do, and will certainly tire them out! From go-karting and trampolines to wall-climbing, the list goes on. You can even throw kids birthday parties at Urban Air in Naperville, IL, or similar venues. They’re perfect for celebrating, getting together with friends and family, and will keep the kids entertained for hours.
4. Family Activities
It might be easier to encourage your kids to be more active if you’re doing the same. Lead by example and go for a short run with them at the weekends or take them for a hike. The latter is also a great way to teach them about nature and can help you to unwind after a busy week. You could turn it into a camping trip and clock in some all-important family time while still getting them outside and moving.
5. Set Challenges
Even though you know your kids are benefitting from this physical activity, they might not see it that way. You might have to offer them an incentive to get outside and exercise. One way you can do this is by making it a challenge or competition with a prize to be won at the end. Make it something simple like they can choose what to have for dinner or what to watch on the next family movie night.
It can be tough, but it’s important to get your kids active and socializing with others. Try a few of these suggestions and see which works better for you.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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