Get going in the great outdoors
When your child starts primary school, there is only a narrow window of time between three and six pm when you or her after-care provider can encourage her to exercise. And at this age TV, videos, and computer games can all compete for her attention.Experts advise however, that primary school children need at least thirty minutes of exercise per day and one of the best ways to ensure this happens is to head outside.  Kids tend to run, climb, hop, skip and jump more when they are outside than when they are indoors.Kids this age are more likely to do these things if they have a friend along, since doing activities with peers is all-important now. If your child is in an after-care program, make sure exercise is a regular part of the program
.
Set a good example
You are probably already aware that what you say has an impact on how your primary-schooler talks, and that what you eat affects her diet.  The same goes for exercise: Your child’s future fitness and activity level are influenced by how you spend your spare time.The same goes for exercise: Your child’s future fitness and activity level are influenced by how you spend your spare time. So where possible, walk to school, the shops, the library or a friend’s hour rather than piling into the car.If she sees you keeping fit, she’s more likely to develop this healthy habit too.
 
Exercise together
Make time every day to exercise together, just as you try to have a family meal and stick to a bedtime routine. Why not venture out for a walk together after dinner? At the weekend, make sure some family outings are active ones, for instance, swimming, bike riding or walking.Why not head to your nearest beach and get the kids to comb for hidden treasures and keep an eye out for curious creatures.Research suggests that children whose parents actively encourage their physical pursuits by driving them to football practice and cheering them on are much more likely to stick with these activities than kids whose parents show little enthusiasm.It doesn’t matter what the activity is; whether it’s swimming or gymnastics the important thing is that you encourage the exercise.You don’t want to pressure your child to perform or force her to do a sport she doesn’t like. These strategies always end up backfiring. 
 

Latest

Trending