How do you encourage your kids to be active?

BChanFit
BChanFit Posts: 209 Member
edited November 20 in Fitness and Exercise
It's so easy for kids to spend time on the iPads, watching tv, playing video games and there's so much junk food available everywhere. I try to put healthy snacks in the house and be a good example and include them in my activities. I think it also helps to make exercise fun when we can. :) Looking for any additional tips - How do you encourage your kids to be active?

Here's a video of the 5K I ran with my boys this past weekend. Their first one! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1IcjpwCibk

Replies

  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Awesome that you and your kids doing that together! That's the best way to get them involved. When it comes to electronics, remember YOU are the mom. My kids had limits daily for theirs. 2 hours per day for electronics in any form - TV, computer, phone, video game, etc. From getting up in the morning until bedtime. Once the time was up, the electronics were done for the day. They could go outside and play or read a book, but no electronics were allowed. Period. My husband went so far as to put a lockout/tagout on their bedroom TV and video game systems so we had control of those.
    We also had a large garden and I went out there with them and we spent time out there together. as you are already doing, spending time in the activities with them to get them started is the best way to garner their interest.
  • MamaBirdBoss
    MamaBirdBoss Posts: 1,516 Member
    I limit screen hours and make them go outside.
  • JustMe2691
    JustMe2691 Posts: 111 Member
    Are there any sports they would be interested in? Baseball, soccer, etc.
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    Organized sports, limited screen time, or none at all till they've had some exercise. And maybe a few pictures of clogged arteries? Good scare always seems to work haha
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Mine are older now (will have an empty nest soon, I hope...) but I always found it best to lead by example (which, from the looks of it you're doing) Kids are great imitators, if they see mom & dad leading an active lifestyle they're far more likely to just assume that's the normal thing to do.
  • execrate2k15
    execrate2k15 Posts: 47 Member
    After 18 years what worked for me was take the games away for a hour or two. :)

    Kindeo wrote: »
    It's so easy for kids to spend time on the iPads, watching tv, playing video games and there's so much junk food available everywhere. I try to put healthy snacks in the house and be a good example and include them in my activities. I think it also helps to make exercise fun when we can. :) Looking for any additional tips - How do you encourage your kids to be active?

    Here's a video of the 5K I ran with my boys this past weekend. Their first one! :)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1IcjpwCibk

  • AngryViking1970
    AngryViking1970 Posts: 2,847 Member
    MamaBirdBoss wrote: »
    I limit screen hours and make them go outside.

    Yeah, pretty much that.
  • BChanFit
    BChanFit Posts: 209 Member
    Lol yes! These are all so great. We limit screen time too. We also make sure they do other things before screen time like read, do their chores etc. I just felt bad my little guy was so winded. They're both pretty active though and play hockey and lacrosse several times a week. I guess what I'm actually looking for more things we can do together? We just started taking golf lessons together so maybe that's a good start. We also have a membership to our community pool so swimming more may also be a good option?
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