How to get kids into sport
Statistics show that the Western world is getting fatter and sicker - and obesity is on the rise. Despite government efforts to get us all moving, obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes are escalating and placing a huge burden on the NHS. The message about healthy eating and exercise doesn't seem to be hitting home - so how can you help to encourage your children to become the best version of themselves?
One of the most powerful things you can do for your kids - and your entire family - is to encourage them to be active. Whether that's by playing an individual sport, a team sport or by simply finding an exercise that they love, exercise is the key to building a healthy, happy foundation for the long-term. Here are some of our favourite tips for getting youngsters into sport and fitness.
1. Help them find something they enjoy
Some kids love competitive team sports, others hate them. Force children to do a sport that they don't enjoy and they will rapidly write off all sport and fitness and believe that they aren't cut out for it. Help them to try different things until they find an activity that they love - and then support them to work at it by attending a regular class and practising their new skills. Don't rely on school PE lessons to do this for them, as the curriculum is limited to school facilities and approaches. Remember how you felt about cross country and rounders in the rain?
2. Focus on fun
Team sports are a great way to learn communication and social skills. Make it fun by gathering up other enthusiastic family members and friends together in the park and kick around a ball or play a game of cricket. Focus on the enjoyment of the experience rather than overt competition. Don't push your child to get into a certain sport just because you love it. Encourage them as they get older by all means, or support them to try it, but don't make it a requirement of your support.
3. Focus on the long-term
If your children play sports in their youth, they are likely to continue it in the longer term, enjoying all of the health benefits throughout their lives. Show the way by enjoying fitness and sport as a family.
4. Lead by example
If you go to the climbing wall at the weekend or play 5 a side football, bring the family along to watch! Your kids will see the fun of the activity and the social side that goes with it.
5. Think creatively
If your children don't show much enthusiasm for traditional sports, remember that being fit encapsulates a huge range of activities. Try dance, martial arts, yoga, capoeira, skateboarding, cycling and skating!
6. Find a family challenge
Why not sign up to Park Run or a family walk, cycle or run challenge, so that you can all train together. This is a positive and naturally bonding activity which will have benefits for the entire family. If you can raise money in the meantime for a great cause, then all the better!
How will you encourage your children to enjoy their fittest, most active and best life?
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