Six Tips to Help Your Children Engage in Exercise for Kids
By Jeffrey S Gallup MA LPC-S NCC CFMHE
Everyone knows there is a significant connection between exercise and physical health. Now, research shows a link between exercise and mental health. At Mansfield Counseling our team of therapists works with children to develop healthy coping skills and habits, such as exercise, to improve their mental health. Read on to learn more.
How do we get our children and teens to exercise knowing it is so good for them?
Typically, younger children will get 30 minutes of exercise each day at school. Still, experts suggest that children get 60 minutes each day. Many teens get little or no exercise at all. Parents can encourage children to get up, move, exercise, play, and invigorate themselves. This helps them become healthier and happier in several ways.
Steps to Get Your Children to Participate in Exercise for Kids
Firstly, we can decrease screen time.
Worrying about the amount of TV watched is ineffective if children then can turn their attention to a video game or computer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under age 2 have no screen time and that kids older than two watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming. When a parent offers their child a different alternative, children often choose it.
Secondly, take them to the gym with you and be a role model.
Kids learn best by seeing their parents doing something healthy for themselves. Most gyms and health clubs have different programs for children, depending on their age and fitness levels. A genuine accomplishment, such as running further or swimming better, builds self-esteem, immediately impacting positive mental health.
Thirdly, join team sports and activities.
This can include baseball, football, soccer, softball, swimming, and volleyball. These are leagues that are commonly found and with which children can participate. Adolescents and children learn teamwork and accomplishment when joining a team and gaining physical benefits. Many other activities are beneficial, such as Girl Scouts, karate, geocaching, dance, and swim lessons, to name a few.
Fourthly, keep everything entertaining.
Do not make exercise, play, or their activity or sport into a chore or obligation. They will notice your negative attitude and will likely quit the activity. Do not push them too hard. The idea is to increase their physical exercise and help them feel good. Let your child dictate the pace and what they want to do. Various sports, practices, and physical activities can help you and your children learn what they are interested in and may create a lifelong passion for physical activity.
Fifthly, buy and keep sports equipment on hand.
This can include handballs, jump ropes, bats, beanbags, horseshoes, or, if possible, a bike.
The possibilities are endless; the toys do not have to be used as intended, just used. When you play with your children, you forge memories and strengthen your relationship. Get imaginative with the items and create different games: let your child make the rules. Make playing and exercising a family event.
Sixthly, send them outside and let them explore.
Often kids can entertain themselves and stay physical if we, as adults, give them a chance. Set up a family calendar for days that, as a family, you all go to the park to have fun. When children can count down and know they will do something fun, they can anticipate it and help hold the family accountable for exercising.
Lastly, remember how fun simple games can be.
Remember freeze tag, hide & seek, or red rover?
Now you can teach these games to your children and play as a family.
Much has been written about the connection between physical health and exercise. Now, the relationship between exercise and mental health is showing significance.
Closing Thoughts About Children and Exercise
Medical doctors recommend that children get 60 minutes of exercise daily, and younger children only get about 30 minutes at school. Children can be more active and reap the benefits of exercise, such as improved self-esteem, learning to get along with peers, accomplishing a goal, and learning healthy life-long habits.
Therapy for Children in Arlington, TX, can help!
Therapy for Children and Adolescents in Arlington, TX is a secure and non-judgmental space created for children and adolescents to share their struggles, emotions, and difficulties. The main focus is on assisting them in finding effective ways to communicate and work through their own challenges.
Learn more about our team of skilled therapists here.
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Other Services Provided:
In addition to Therapy for Children and Adolescents, Mansfield Counseling offers a wide range of services to meet you where you are in your journey. These services include:.