Parents nowadays have such busy lives so it can be hard to ensure that your tween is being active when you feel like collapsing on the couch for the evening. When you’re tired, it can be tempting to give in to tweens who complain constantly about how they don’t want to go to football training that evening and just let them stay home.
It is around this age when many tweens begin to lose interest in after school activities including team sports as they just no longer have the interest. It’s up to parents to help them find an activity that they do enjoy and also encourage them to stick with activities. It’s important that they understand how vital daily exercise is.
What you can do
Getting your tween to become active will require persistence, flexibility and being a good role model. Tweens still look up to their parents as role models. Try to rethink the ways you can support physical activity and don’t necessarily insist on organised team sports. Instead, think about other ways you can incorporate physical activity in your child’s life.
Here are some ideas:
- Bring physical activity home by providing plenty of sports equipment. The equipment doesn’t have to be expensive, hoola hoops, footballs and skipping ropes are all popular. Roller blades and bicycles are also popular but more expensive.
- Add a basketball hoop in the driveway.
- Take your kids to the swimming pool or for a cycle.
- Encourage physical activities with friends; offer to take your tween and her friend to play tennis or basketball.
- Makes family walks or hikes a regular thing.
Be a role model
Tweens still take their cues from their parents. Exercising regularly whether it is running, a yoga class or a daily walk will show your tween that everyone should exercise. Parents should show their kids how much fun exercise and physical activity can be by placing a limit on how much screen time is allowed per day.
Being a good model for your kids is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Walk the walk and you will find your parents will be more likely to try and be healthier too.
