7 Ways to Guide Your Child Into a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
26 Feb 2022
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels
It’s no secret that childhood obesity rates are on the rise. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese. This is a significant problem, as obesity can lead to several health problems down the road. The good news is that you can do things to help your child stay healthy and active. This blog post will discuss seven ways to guide your child into a healthy and active lifestyle.
1. Teach your child the benefits of being healthy
One of the best ways to encourage your child to lead a healthy and active lifestyle is to teach them about the benefits of doing so. For example, explain how being dynamic can improve their overall health, help them maintain a healthy weight, and give them more energy. You can also share stories about how leading a healthy lifestyle has helped others that they know.
If your child is old enough, you can even take them on a tour of your local hospital or doctor’s office so that they can see firsthand what obesity-related health problems look like. This may help drive home the importance of staying healthy and active. No matter what approach you take, make sure that you stress the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to your child. This will lay the groundwork for them to make healthy choices throughout their life.
2. Set a good example
Another way to encourage your child to lead a healthy and active lifestyle is to set a good example for yourself. If you are always on the go and living an active lifestyle, chances are your child will want to do the same. On the other hand, if you are sedentary and always eating unhealthy foods, your child will likely follow in your footsteps.
Make sure that you eat healthy meals and exercise regularly in front of your children. You can even involve them in some of your activities, such as going for a family walk or playing catch in the backyard. Children learn best by example, so make sure that you lead by yours.
3. Equip them with adequate sports apparel
One of the best ways to get your child active is to equip them with the proper sports apparel. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy them a brand new set of golf clubs or a tennis racket. However, if they are interested in a particular sport, make sure you have the appropriate kids sportswear for them to use.
If your child enjoys playing soccer, for example, make sure you have a ball and some sticks for them to use. If they like going swimming, purchase them a swimsuit and some goggles. The more involved your child is in their chosen activity, the more likely they will stick with it. Plus, having the right equipment will help keep them safe while active.
4. Find an activity they enjoy
Another key to getting your child active is finding an activity they enjoy. This could be anything from biking and hiking to playing tag or swimming. As long as they are moving and having fun, it doesn’t matter what the activity is. If you have trouble finding something your child enjoys, consider signing them up for a sports team or dance class. There are plenty of exercises that cater to children of all ages and interests. Just find one that your child will enjoy and stick with it.
5. Set reasonable goals
When getting your child active, it’s essential to set reasonable goals. If you expect them to run a marathon the first time they go for a walk, you’re likely to be disappointed. The same goes for if you make their physical activity mandatory. Children are more likely to stick with an activity if they enjoy it and feel like they are in control of it.
Start by having them do just five or ten minutes of exercise per day and gradually increase the duration as they get older and more substantial. You can also try different activities until you find one that your child enjoys and stick with that particular sport or activity. As long as you keep things fun and manageable, your child is more likely to stick with a healthy and active lifestyle.
6. Encourage them to be social
Another way to get your child active is to encourage them to be social. This means signing them up for team sports or joining a local youth group. Doing so will not only get your child moving, but it will also help them make new friends and learn critical social skills.
Being part of a team will teach your child how to work well with others and handle winning and losing gracefully. It’s also an excellent way for them to stay physically active while having fun at the same time. So if you want your child to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, encourage them to be social.
7. Make it a family affair
Finally, one of the best ways to get your child active is to make it a family affair. This means involving the whole family in physical activity and making it a part of your daily routine. You can do this by taking walks together, going for bike rides, or playing catch in the backyard.
You can also sign up for a local sports team or dance class as a family. Doing so will not only get your child moving, but it will also give you quality time together as a family. Plus, it’s always more fun to be active when you have someone to do it with. So make sure you involve the whole family in your child’s journey to a healthy and active lifestyle.
There are many ways you can get your child active and involved in a healthy lifestyle. Just remember to start gradually, involve the whole family, and make it fun. Then, with a bit of effort, you’ll be well on your way to raising a healthy and active child. Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, a father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. Craig likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. In June 2017, PR firm Cision identified Craig as one of Canada’s top 10 most popular male bloggers in the parents and family space.
