Getting the kids active in today’s technological world can be difficult. Not only are you battling weather conditions, the old saying of “go and make friends” doesn’t even work anymore. Nearly every child is playing some game online, talking to people from across the world. Making the kids excited about staying active can be tough, but not impossible. Use these tips to help get their excitement levels up again.
Make it fun for the whole family
One of the challenges for the kids to get active can be tearing them away from whatever they are doing inside. Instead, plan a family day out and let the whole family enjoy the fun. Indoor trampoline parks are a fantastic way to get the kids excited and are also a bit of fun for the adults too.
The kids can jump, tumble and learn tricks in a safe and extremely fun environment. All the while, you can enjoy the nostalgia of watching and playing with your kids on a piece of equipment we have all enjoyed in our time. If you remember correctly, as I do, trampolines are a lot of fun and will burn a lot of energy at the same time. A very physical kind of fun, it is sure to help get the kids excited about being active and away from the computer screen.
Make it topical
If your kids love a particular game or a particular sport, try to base the activity on their interests. It is no secret that we are far more engaged with activities we have an interest in vs not. For example, playing a game of soccer or kicking the footy will be far more exciting for the kids if they enjoy watching the games on TV than simply going for a walk.
Tailor your exercise to include elements of their interests and for even more fun, add a little competition. Challenge the kids to kick a certain number of goals, or sink a certain number of baskets. Like most people, a little competition can be a great motivator. Find out how you can challenge then to want more.
If all else fails, make it digital
As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. If your kids just don’t seem excited about heading outdoors for some good old fashioned activity, then bring the activity to them. Use digital systems to create fun and engaging active exercise.
A lot of providers now have built specifically designed systems to burn energy all while playing a game. Whether it is virtual tennis, running or even virtual reality, there is sure to be a game or system to get your kids excited and active at the same time.
Think about your own mentality
One of the unknown challenges of getting your kids excited about being active, can sometimes be you. Consider for a moment the way you talk about exercise or being active. We are all guilt after a long day of muttering things like “I can’t be bothered” or “I’ll do it tomorrow”. These sorts of things make their mark on our children and can make it that much harder to get them excited about being active.
Instead, really challenge yourself to be more positive and reinforcing the behaviour you are asking of your kids. Do some exercise together, that way they will see your commitment and feel more excited about making their own.
~
Kids can be fickle at the best of times, but this is usually because we haven’t engaged them at a level they need. Instead of getting upset, think differently about the problem. Most kids simply need a new way to get excited about being active.
Whether that is by doing things together, tailoring it to their interests or using technology to help not hinder your efforts, finding the right motivator can make a huge difference. If you are having trouble getting the kids excited, then use these tips to be more active together.
