Aby League

School breaks and spare time shouldn’t be spent wasted on TV, computer, and video games.  Kids can easily make-up reasons not to go outside such as the weather being too cold or too hot, not finding the activity fun, or not being into sports, but these shouldn’t be a reason not to get active. Nowadays, there are lots of available physical indoor activities that can be done without leaving your home. Make your kids get off the couch and start doing these activities within the comfort of your home.

Understanding the Importance of Play
Aside from preventing childhood obesity, play is also best for growing brains as it helps a child’s learning process. Play enables children to acquire different developmental skills such as cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. These can help them acquire abilities on problem solving, mental planning, evaluation, social skills, and of course, to be physically active.

Limited but Active TV Time
According to PBS parents, watching television does not have to be an idle activity. Children do not have to be on the couch all the time. It is best for parents to get them to march, sing, and dance with the characters on television. Picking the right show is also the trick. As much as possible, TV time should be limited. Active learning can take many forms. Parents should explain or let their children understand that leisure time must not be spent just on television, computers, or video games.

Learn from One Another
A simple way to make kids move is by asking him to teach you how he learned that move from karate class and you in turn, can share an easy pose from yoga or a cool step in dancing. By doing this, you can make teaching and learning an enjoyable and beneficial activity for the both of you.

Household Chores
Physical activities helping healthier bodies in the long run do not always have be to be organized or via playgrounds. It can be as simple as doing household chores. Cleaning the kitchen, doing the dishes or sweeping the floor can burn as much calories and allow kids to sweat. This also encourages a sense of growing up among kids. They can eventually develop a sense of responsibility as a member of the family.

Turn on the Tunes
Load up their favorite song and dance to it. You can put a twist on it by playing a game of Freeze. Let someone control the music and dance until it stops. Include challenges by making each level harder by doing a different poses.

Get Their Hands Dirty
Allow your kid’s creativity and imagination to run free by doing artworks or creating their own game. Provide them different tools and let them create as they please. They can start by baking, do an indoor volleyball using a balloon, go bowling using empty plastic bottles and a ball, do an easy science experiment, or start a race by blowing Pom Pom balls.

Play Like The 90’s
Back when TV, computer, and video games were not so famous, kids get creative with play. They find fun on Popsicle sticks, paper, or even a branch stick. Recreate that moment and travel back in the 90’s by playing a treasure hunt at home. You can hide small trinkets and treats for them to find. They can also make a fort out of pillows and bed linens and pretend that it’s their castle and they are the king or queen.

Family Dinner and Healthy Eating
Diet is also an important part in preventing obesity. The right food will give them energy to play and learn. Additionally, children eating with their family regularly especially dinner consume more vegetables and fruits and are less tempted to consume fat and soda.

Focus on the Fun for the Short Attention Spanned
Kids are known to have a short attention span and most kids give up on active play because they don’t find it fun or enjoyable. Being focused on one kind of activity to keep them active is a common misconception among parents. It is very much important to keep any type of activities fun to keep them motivated. Make sure to include variations on his daily physical activity. You can focus on outdoor activities today and the next day can be done indoors masked as a rest day.

Parental guidance is a crucial part in keeping children healthy and active. It is best for guardians to check their children’s specific needs depending on their size, age, and height, among others. Some children require less physical activity while others require more. It also depends on their body composition. Proper diet, exercise and the right tools can help sustain a healthier outlook for kids.

About the Author:
Aby League is a qualitative researcher and a passionate writer. She is an innovator and technology enthusiast. She has been writing about health, psychology, home improvement and technology. To know her more, follow @abyleague on Twitter.

Disclaimer: This blog post does not reflect the views of the OAC, the National Board of Directors or staff. Information contained in this blog post is not based on scientific research and has not been validated. The OAC does not endorse or support any merchandise, program or hyperlink mentioned in this blog post.