Exercise has a lot of benefits for adults, but it can be just as important for children. The benefits of being physically active include better sleep, lower stress levels and a stronger immune system. While it’s always a good idea to have your child take part in physical activity, it’s especially important to encourage them to do so during the summer months when they’re not in school.
“Children needs to be physically active regularly, to lead a healthy lifestyle including personal development and growth,” says coach Geetika Dhuper.
If you notice your kids are getting out of shape, take them to a local fitness center or sports team to get them back on track. Here are some tips for motivating kids to get active:
- Find the right activity. Ask around for recommendations about local sports teams or fitness centers that offer programs for children. Your child might find a sport that he or she loves and that helps keep them active.
- Be flexible. There are many different things kids can do to stay active. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else until you find an activity your child enjoys doing.
- Reward good behavior. Because this is an important part of your child’s life, it’s worth rewarding them when they do well at these activities. Take them out to dinner or give them extra money when they participate in physical activity every week. The reward doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be something the child values so they’ll continue doing what you want them to do.
- Make exercise fun. Your child should understand that exercise isn’t just something grown-ups do; it’s also something that helps people feel better and look better too.
