Make Active Play Fun for the Entire Family!
Allow children to help choose and plan how the family will be physically active. Be sure to focus more on fun, not on performance or competition.Just rewards!
Praise children when they are active. Compliment their creativity and enthusiasm for movement.
Walking field trips! Combine physical activity with adventure by taking walks of discovery. Go to Track Trails website for tips on having a successful family hike in the great outdoors - or a Backyard Adventure right outside your doorstep!
Don't eliminate! When playing tag games, design strategies for children to re-enter the game quickly by performing a specific movement. This will ensure continuous activity and reduce the level of competition.
Repetitive motion! Children like things that are familiar. Repeat favorite activities often, adding slight variations. Allow your kids to have a dance party with their favorite music!
Have fun family physical activity days! Plan a fun-filled physical activity that the entire family can enjoy. Have family members take turns choosing the activities.
Make Moving a Priority!
Set aside time daily or throughout the week when the entire family can be physically active together. Try doing something before or after dinner or on weekends. Plan a weekly Family Fun Night that includes riding bikes, swimming, or dancing.Moving on a Budget!
Plan activities that require little or no equipment like walking, jumping rope, playing tag, or dancing. Learn and explore parks, hiking trails, biking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, and community centers in your area that can provide low-cost opportunities to be physically active.Be Active inside and outside!
Spend time outdoors and be prepared for all weather conditions. There are a lot of activities your family can enjoy in the rain, mud and snow!Inside
1. Don't melt when it rains! Look for indoor opportunities for physical activity on days that the weather doesn't permit outdoor play. Dance to the children's favorite music.
2. Make the most of your inside space! Move furniture like tables and chairs to maximize the area that is available for physical activity.
3. Provide materials and tools that help your imagination soar: have an indoor snowball fight with clean socks, make a pillow fort and knock down when you are done playing with, or make a pillow pile to jump into.
Outside
1. It is OK to get dirty! Playing in the dirt and digging for treasures may be messy, but it helps children to move, haul, and explore the world around them.
2. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing! If you know it is cold wear a coat, if you know it is raining wear rain boots, etc. As long as you are prepared for whatever is going on out there, you can enjoy being active outside
3. Use the great outdoors as your gym? Allow children to explore the great outdoors; turn over rocks, climb trees, dig in the dirt, run in the sand, etc.
1. It is OK to get dirty! Playing in the dirt and digging for treasures may be messy, but it helps children to move, haul, and explore the world around them.
2. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing! If you know it is cold wear a coat, if you know it is raining wear rain boots, etc. As long as you are prepared for whatever is going on out there, you can enjoy being active outside
3. Use the great outdoors as your gym? Allow children to explore the great outdoors; turn over rocks, climb trees, dig in the dirt, run in the sand, etc.
Get active with other families.
Meet up at playgrounds, the community pool, or a local trail. Host active birthday parties to help friends enjoy and benefit from being active as well.Peer review! Without comparing skill level or encouraging competition, encourage children to model one another's activity. Compliment cooperation, helping and sharing games that include physical activity.
Play lots of activities with friends like...
Dancing to music
Playing games, like tag and hopscotch
Playing outside
Create an active playgroup. Get a group of moms together and decide on a day and time to meet up and be active together. Visit a new playground each week, take a short hike or meet at the community pool.
Plan active birthday parties. Get out the sprinkler or slip-and-slide and let the kids enjoy playing together. Have the party at a playground, splash pad, or other location where kids can celebrate together and get some PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!
Join active clubs and groups! There are many mommy groups that support Physical activity across NC like Stroller Strides, Play and Learn Groups, etc. Check out your local newspaper, family publications or ask some other moms for a listing of groups in your area.
reprinted from beactivekids.org
No comments:
Post a Comment