How to get small kids active?

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Amy_B
Amy_B Posts: 2,323 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My kids don't appear large to most others, but I know they need more exercise (and the doctor said the same thing). I try to get them to exercise with me, including playing games like Just Dance. However, they give up so easily. They get tired too quickly and sit down. Even when I tell them to go play outside, they usually aren't that active or stop sooner than they should. Any ideas to get them to KEEP exercising and not give up so easily? Hubby said my 4 (almost 5) year old daughter could barely run the bases tonight at t-ball practice. Ridiculous!

They are 7, almost 5, and 3.
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Replies

  • femmi1120
    femmi1120 Posts: 473 Member
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    I think the best thing to do would be find some sort of sport or activity they enjoy. Like martial arts or some team sport or dance. Or get a trampoline!!! I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like trampolines...
  • prettygirlhoward
    prettygirlhoward Posts: 338 Member
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    I think the best thing to do would be find some sort of sport or activity they enjoy. Like martial arts or some team sport or dance. Or get a trampoline!!! I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like trampolines...

    very true and a great idea!
  • wender125
    wender125 Posts: 93 Member
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    take them to the park!
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
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    with anything they will build stamina over time. They probably do get out of breath or tired after being active. Let them have time to rest but encourage them to get back up after a bit.

    get out there and play with them, too. Kick a soccer ball around with them. Go on a hike, bring snacks and water.
  • carrie_eggo
    carrie_eggo Posts: 1,396 Member
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    A trampoline is a great idea!
    Also, the game "Hyperdash" is great for kids....even little ones.
    Do follow the leader and Simon says.
    Have a "dance party." :smile:
    Kickball.
    Tag.
    Make an obstacle course in your loving room with pillows and cushions.
  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member
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    Get a fenced in yard and a scary looking dog?

    Playground.
  • Ttopeka
    Ttopeka Posts: 160
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    Find something that they enjoy and will WANT to keep doing. A hobby of mine, that children often enjoy, is Geocaching -- it can take you to really interesting places, and best of all, it gets you out of the house and moving. Children often enjoy it because it's kind of like a treasure hunt, because many geocaches are packed with swag (toys, small trade items, etc.) for kids. You will just need to have a handheld GPSr, or a smartphone to download the Geocaching app (costs about $10 -- there are also free versions).

    http://www.geocaching.com/ -- visit there for more info, or to find geocaches near you.
  • momwhosbusy
    momwhosbusy Posts: 154 Member
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    Get out and play WITH then outside! My kids love it when my hubby and I play outside with them! Are they competitive? Find something to challenge them to that they can win at. Leave the tv off completely a few days a week, I have a friend who has declared every other day in their home an electronics free day for the adults as well as the kids. Make it fun and they'll want to be active! Crank the music on the stereo and have a family dance night..music always gets my kids moving, especially if i do it WITH them!
  • warmachinejt
    warmachinejt Posts: 2,167 Member
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    don't tell them give an example
  • ninaquelinda
    ninaquelinda Posts: 136
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    Cut the cable. Kids get lazy if they are glued to the TV. My kids are older and are pretty active but get sucked in by the TV sometimes, when I take it away they get creative and play with each other.
  • AndiJoy812
    AndiJoy812 Posts: 236
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    Get a fenced in yard and a scary looking dog?

    I seriously just had my drink of water come out of my nose...too funny! Classic.
  • Nucky719
    Nucky719 Posts: 143
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    I think the best thing to do would be find some sort of sport or activity they enjoy. Like martial arts or some team sport or dance. Or get a trampoline!!! I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like trampolines...

    THIS^^^ Before our trampoline broke my kids would stay on thing all day!
  • PeachyPlum
    PeachyPlum Posts: 1,243 Member
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    I don't have any kids, so basically I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

    Do you live in a neighborhood where there's other kids? When I was a kid I spent my summer nights playing capture the flag with the neighbor kids.

    Also, a game of tag could be fun... You may need to develop handicaps so that the older ones don't tag the little ones and then play keep away. Maybe the oldest has to run backwards and the middle one bunny hops while the toddler can run?

    A family backyard olympics with sack races, three legged race, etc... Might become a tradition.

    Water gun fights?

    I guess it all depends on your kids and what motivates them. Are they competitive? For my youngest brother, who was not an active kid at all, my parents instituted a policy where 30 minutes of bike riding earned him 30 minute of TV time.
  • rscott813
    rscott813 Posts: 16 Member
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    I agree my children (ages 9, 6, 4 and 2) received a trampoline for Christmas and have been outside every day that the weather permits. I know it can be expensive, but I must admit I love to get out there on it with them. The park is also a great choice, practicing sports at home. I found that being outside with my children keeps them going longer as well.
  • Sarrisa
    Sarrisa Posts: 1 Member
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    Plan a fun obstacle course in the backyard every week and invite a few families with children, compete in groups of children against parents or families against one another. Most children won't stop during an obstacle course where their peers are present.
  • AABru
    AABru Posts: 610 Member
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    Get a fenced in yard and a scary looking dog?
    LOL! Love this!
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
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    Dress up like a zombie and chase them.
  • AABru
    AABru Posts: 610 Member
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    My kids are 5 and 3. My 5 year old is VERY active, and the 3 year old out weighs him by 6 pounds. We are working on things like short bike rides as a family, walks around the neighborhood. Kicking the ball around. Kickball. Softball. Frisbee. Keep away. pickle in the middle. I have the neighborhood kids over and they run around for no apparent reason...we like to dance to loud music with abandon as well.
    The trick is you have to do it too. My kids try to do zumba wii and yoga with me now. We also talk about red light and green light foods and how we need to eat more green light foods...good luck. remember all kids are different. Just stay relaxed and be consistant. IT's all about reinforcement and training!
  • SofaKingRad
    SofaKingRad Posts: 1,592 Member
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    Tell them you're going to get them a new puppy to play with. After they are done bouncing around and jumping in excitement for hours, say "Just kidding!" BAM. They got exercise, they are now deflated and exhausted, and you don't have to buy that puppy. Win-win.
  • 2Bgoddess
    2Bgoddess Posts: 1,096 Member
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    I don't have any kids, so basically I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

    Do you live in a neighborhood where there's other kids? When I was a kid I spent my summer nights playing capture the flag with the neighbor kids.

    Also, a game of tag could be fun... You may need to develop handicaps so that the older ones don't tag the little ones and then play keep away. Maybe the oldest has to run backwards and the middle one bunny hops while the toddler can run?

    A family backyard olympics with sack races, three legged race, etc... Might become a tradition.

    Water gun fights?

    I guess it all depends on your kids and what motivates them. Are they competitive? For my youngest brother, who was not an active kid at all, my parents instituted a policy where 30 minutes of bike riding earned him 30 minute of TV time.

    Just had to say, oh yeah!!!! water gun fights FTW!!!

    bike riding! while they're little, up and down the sidewalk is just fine. we bike a lot, my kids are not the sporty type, but like to be active in non-competative ways. frisbee, swimming, biking.

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