In today’s world, kids have much exposure to screens and spend much time sitting. This is impacting your kids’ health and happiness. Here are some tips to help them ditch the screens and move more.
- Be a Role Model. Children who see their parents being active are more likely to be active themselves.
- Play with Your Children. Take a hike together, play basketball or catch in the yard, walk the dog or sign up for a class together.
- Use Exercise as Transportation. Walk your child to school, ride bikes to the park, park far away at stores and take stairs instead of elevators.
- Make it Fun. Children are more likely to do something if it’s fun. Turn on music and have a dance party, turn on a Go Noodle and follow along, play a movement video game like Dance Dance Revolution.
- Give Gifts that Encourage Physical Activity. Bicycles, roller skates, balls, etc. Activity tracking apps can be fun for kids as well.
- Limit Screen Time. Talk about screen time expectations and set a time limit. You can also have a set of movement activities that need to be completed before they are able to use their screen.