The moment your child starts with his schooling, there seems to be very less time left with you where you can engage him or her in some fruitful physical activities. The morning hours are spent in great rush where you keep juggling between various things while getting your child ready for school.
And once he comes back from school, either it’s TV that seizes his attention or video games. In fact, many kids even love spending the time in front of computer. This is why we get to hear parents around complaining about their kids not being much physically active. Despite making all efforts, they just fail to bring kids out of the ‘Lazy Zone’.
Well, if you also feel that your child is less energetic, the following ways will surely help you make him active.
1. Understand the cause of laziness: Before you implement any technique or method of making your child active you will first have to find out why your child shies away from exercise or any sort of physical activity. At times, the laziness happens due to some underlying illness or health disorder. First figure out what exactly is the root cause. If it needs any medical attention, don’t make any delay. And if you feel that it’s a deliberate laziness, then you can try out different ways to eliminate this sluggishness.
2. Keep things very simple: On an average, a child needs 1 hour of physical activity wherein he can choose to do anything from riding a bicycle to swimming, playing cricket to badminton (or any sport for that matter) or simply walking. You need to understand that all kids aren’t supposed to be sports persons nor they have to take part in Olympics. They just don’t need any hardcore physical training. Any form of exercise that can keep them physically involved for 60 minutes would be fine.
3. Divide the time: As said, school going kids have a lot to manage. Even many of the pre-schoolers nowadays are sent for tuitions. Lack of time can always keep your child away from being physically active. If you feel that your child will not be able to manage 60 minutes of workout at a stretch, just break it as per his convenience. Let him ride a bicycle early morning for 20 minutes or take a walk for 20 minutes or so. Rest he can do in the evening hours.
4. Model a healthy lifestyle: Kids always do what they see their parents and elders doing. They consider you as their role model and try to walk on your path. Be the models your kids can be proud of and learn some really healthy habits. If you want your child to be active, you will also have to see that the behaviour is modelled by you as well. Be regular with your exercise routine so that it can inspire your child.
5. Do it together: It would be great if you can take out time to exercise together. Considering your child’s school hours, it can be a bit difficult in the morning hours but you can always give it a try. If you can manage to wake up early morning and indulge in some exercise with your child, for say 20 minutes, it would be great fun. You can even opt to play some sport like badminton or tennis. This will even help you in strengthening your bond.
6. Encourage to take those small walks: Teach your kids to travel short distances by walking. If they have to go to nearby park or a stationary shop that’s near to house, let them walk. Walking is said to be the best form of exercise and it is always good if small distances are covered in some steps.
7. Fix a time: Things would become easier to manage if you can fix a time-table for the same. Make your child’s daily schedule and allot him time for his physical activity and watching TV or playing video games. Sticking to a daily fixed routine would ensure smooth execution of things and your child will also not feel monotonous or forced to do physical activities.
8. Don’t force anything: Last but surely not the least, set your child free to decide which physical activity he wants to go with. If he is comfortable with riding bicycle, let him do that. If he wants to play cricket with his buddies, encourage him. Be a guard to his activities and just make sure he is doing the right thing.
Don’t let your child turn into a Couch Potato. Keep him involved with some or the other physical activity, this will help him maintain a healthy lifestyle in his grown up years too!