Playtime...Motivating Kids To Make Exercise Fun (NAPSA)—You know your kids should be active, but often they can be found hunkered down in front of the TV, video game or computer while the sun shines outside. It’s a scene parents every- where have lamented. The solu- tion is pretty simple: Get them active by making exercise fun. In fact, don’t even call it “exercise.” Call it “play” and give them lots of opportunities to do it. If you gently suggest a bunch of activities (running through the sprinkler, playing whiffle ball, drawing a hopscotch grid with sidewalk chalk), they’re very likely to take you up on one. And if they enjoy themselves, they may take theinitiative next time to choose that activity over being a couch potato. What’s fun to a kid? Sure, they love a day trip to an amusement park or a family vacation getaway, but there are many low-cost, everyday ways for kids to have a great time being active. Each kid will have his or her own favorites, but most will enjoy activities that offer one or both of the following: e Physical thrills, such as swinging on a swing, splashing into a pool or gliding on skates e A chance to get better at something, such as riding a bike, catching a ball or jumpingrope. With thrill-seeking kids, be sure to supervise closely. (Riding Regular outings to the pool, park or backyard can showkids that physical activity is a fun part of everydaylife. ment—and yourchild’s ownsatisfaction—will spur him or her on to keep practicing. Whenyou find anactivity, such as jumping off the diving board, that offers physical thrills and a chance to master a skill, some kids will do it over and over until their skin is waterlogged and the sun is setting on the pool deck. And if youre willing to do more thanlifeguard, you can really increase the fun quotient. What’s more fun (and funny) than seeing mom or dad bounce off the diving board and land with a cannonball splash? But regular outings to the pool, the park or even the backyardwill yield more than just good times. on a tire swing can be fun, but You'll show your kids that physi- creasing speed. Your encourage- For more practical tips on how to make exercise fun for yourchildren, visit www.CheeriosNurturing Circle.com. falling off onto the hard ground isn’t.) And when it comes to skill building, be sure to take notice when your child shows improvement. Maybe your child is landing somesolid kicks on the soccer ball or jumping rope with in- cal activity is a normal and fun part of everyday life—a healthy habit theyll want to continue for years to come.
