Encourage kids to exercise through outdoor play activities
05/07/2010 Parents should present exercise as outdoor play activities to get children interested, it has been suggested.
Writing for Helium, Aisling Ash, explained that the concept of working out will be foreign to kids and they are likely to respond better if it is presented as being a fun activity.
"When your exercise is play, not only do the kids get a workout but you get to bond with them," Ms Ash explained.
She added that there should also be limits placed on the amount of time that children are allowed to spend in front of the TV, although screen time should not be cut altogether.
"Most kids are naturally drawn to play. By providing them structured ways to play, they will be exercising without even realising it," Ms Ash said.
The school summer holidays provide the ideal opportunity to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors.
Writing for the Vancouver Sun, Jill Barker, highlighted that current statistics show kids are spending too much time in front of the TV.
Writing for Helium, Aisling Ash, explained that the concept of working out will be foreign to kids and they are likely to respond better if it is presented as being a fun activity.
"When your exercise is play, not only do the kids get a workout but you get to bond with them," Ms Ash explained.
She added that there should also be limits placed on the amount of time that children are allowed to spend in front of the TV, although screen time should not be cut altogether.
"Most kids are naturally drawn to play. By providing them structured ways to play, they will be exercising without even realising it," Ms Ash said.
The school summer holidays provide the ideal opportunity to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors.
Writing for the Vancouver Sun, Jill Barker, highlighted that current statistics show kids are spending too much time in front of the TV.
