When runner Shannon Brady comes back home after a race, there’s still more fun to be had: her 1 and 2-year-old daughters borrow her sweaty sunglasses and have their own little race around the house.
“My spouse and I have a passion for running, and we ensure that our daughters witness us donning our running shoes and enjoying ourselves.,” says Brady.
Just like Brady, many parents want to share the joy of staying active with their kids.
A survey from 2022 by the fitness brand LifeTime discovered that 89 percent of parents enjoy spending time outdoors and playing sports with their children.
Additionally, 80 percent expressed their desire to encourage their kids to be more physically active for their overall fitness.
So, how can we help the next generation develop a love for moving their bodies?
It’s a big deal because it seems like our usual way of encouraging kids to stay active might not be cutting it.
“The CDC says kids aged 6 to 17 should get at least an hour of exercise daily, but only about a quarter of them are hitting that target.”
Since the whole pandemic situation kicked in, kids are doing less and less physical activity, even though we all know it’s good for them.
Getting into the exercise groove early on can actually help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
And let’s not forget about the mental perks – regular exercise can chill out anxiety, boost moods, amp up self-esteem, make brains work better, and help kids handle stress.
So, what’s the trick to getting the next generation moving?
Sure thing! So, Dr. Sarah-Nicole Bostan, a cool clinical health psychologist, spills the beans on getting our little ones into activities like running, biking, and swimming.
It’s not just about making them love the workout itself; it’s more about helping them groove with the feeling these activities give, rather than just thinking about what the exercise can “do” for them.
She’s all about teaching our kiddos to give their bodies some love and appreciate all the awesome stuff they can do, no matter how they’re shaped or sized.
That sets them up for a chill, long-lasting relationship with moving around, especially in a world that’s often way too obsessed with how things look or the physical outcomes.
Here are four ways parents can help their kids build a positive connection by staying active.
Here’s the deal: research shows that kids tend to copy what their parents do to learn new stuff and navigate the world.
So, if parents are into moving and staying active, it’s likely their kids will want to jump in too. Dr. Bostan breaks it down, saying, “Kids pretty much learn by watching and copying.”
That’s why it’s cool for parents to take care of themselves and stay active because when kids get to see the whole exercise thing in a positive light, it’s a win-win.
How you chat about your daily exercise routine also matters when it comes to setting an example for your kid.
If you want your little one to grow up loving physical activity, sharing why you’re into it can make a big difference.
Just make sure to focus on the feel-good aspects of exercise rather than just the numbers.
Instead of saying, “I burned X calories today,” try something like, “I love how free I feel when I’m swimming in the pool.” It’s all about those positive vibes!
Molly Prospect, a runner from Hartford, Connecticut, makes sure her 18-month-old son is part of the marathon excitement, whether it’s cheering for his dad during races or being there for training runs and race day activities.
“We want him to feel involved in the whole marathon journey,” she shares.
But you don’t have to tackle a full 26.2 miles to show your kiddo the magic of sports.
Shannon Brady, another avid runner, ensures her daughters have diverse movement role models around them.
Apart from involving them in her races, she takes them to local high school girls’ volleyball and basketball games.
“While these games may be short, lasting only around 30 minutes, it’s vital and enjoyable for them to witness other girls engaging in physical activity and collaborating as a team.,” Brady says.
It’s all about showing the joy of movement at every age!
Alright, here’s the scoop. Sure, there are good lessons in taking sports seriously, like being resilient and dedicated.
But if you really want your kid to fall in love with moving, treat it like playtime.
Dr. Bostan says it’s a win-win, helping both the naturally athletic kids and those who might struggle a bit with coordination.
Pediatrician and mom of four, Sarah Lester, has a cool take too.
She thinks sports practices should feel like a bunch of games, especially for the younger ones.
“Those games end up being super active,” she says. Instead of forcing formal sports, she suggests fun stuff like capturing the flag, jumping ropes, and ants on a log – all the good stuff without the stress.
And hey, when it comes to what kind of exercise your kid picks, let them explore.
Avoid pressuring them into activities simply because you enjoy them.
Lester says, “You never know what kids will like, and often the social part of the movement is what they really want.”
So, it might just be a one-time thing, or it could spark a whole new passion. Let them figure out what floats their boat!
Being a parent these days means juggling the challenge of getting our kids moving while dealing with the magnetic pull of technology,” shares Hy Rosario, director of outdoor and kids’ footwear at Hoka.
He points out that the pandemic nudged families to step outside, whether for a simple stroll with the family dog or a sweaty hike to keep everything in check – mental, emotional, and physical health.
With screens becoming a big part of kids’ lives, it’s all about striking a balance.
Dr. Bostan suggests meeting kids where they’re at, praising their efforts, and finding creative ways to blend tech and movement.
She even suggests pitching a “live-action outdoor video game” or trying fitness video games.
The key? Avoid making technology the bad guy and exercise the hero.
You don’t want your kid to see screen time as a reward and fitness as a punishment.
Instead, encourage a mix of activities, both online and in the real world. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!
Absolutely: You can’t make someone love something.
All you can do is introduce your child to an activity and see how they feel about it.
Molly Prospect, whose son is not even 2 yet, has already thought about what she’d do if he didn’t share her passion for sports.
She says, “I think I would respect his decision but remind him that movement usually makes us all feel good.
I would encourage him to come for a walk with me or throw a ball for the dog—any way to promote movement without explicitly saying, ‘You need to move.'”
