Some kids are naturally geared toward fitness. They love sports and physical activity (one of my son’s friends would play soccer 24/7 if his parents let him). And others, like my little lounge-lover, don’t. If your grade-schooler is the type of kid who’d rather play videogames or watch TV all day, then try these ideas for getting him off the couch and into some fun activities.
1. Make kids' fitness a family habit.
Dreamstime
Weekends should be about going out and doing something together. Kids are master adapters. If you make physical activity a part of the family weekend routine, that is what they will expect.
2. Don’t turn on the TV in the morning.
StockXpert
While it can be tempting to let your kids sit in front of the TV so that you can get some extra sleep or do things around the house, it can set a sedentary pattern. Instead, try getting them out the door after breakfast. That way, they’re less likely to beg for Saturday-morning cartoons or reach for the videogames.
3. Sneak in exercise.
Dreamstime
If you say you want them to go out so you can all get some exercise, it won’t have quite the allure of, say, going for a family bike ride or having a picnic in the park. Bring along a Frisbee or a kite and before you know it, your kids will be so busy having fun, they won’t want to stop for lunch.
