Amidst the pandemic, it is a concern of many parents that how to make kids physically active during the lockdown. Also, parents want to make their kids get away from digital devices and move a bit. It is a legit concern of parents all around the world. Excessive sitting in kids can lead to various health risks, low self-esteem, and reduced academic achievements. So the question arises on how to make kids physically active during the lockdown? The physical activities for kids should be of such kind that they don’t feel it a burden. Instead, the children should enjoy the exercises or physical activities that they are supposed to do.
Importance of physical activity for kids
Physical activity in kids is as important as it is for any other adult. Some physical activity every day improves the overall health, mood, and sleep pattern. According to the current guidelines of the NHS, children and teenagers should have physical activity for an hour a day. In the case of preschoolers between the ages of three and five, they should whizz for around three hours. The following are the activities that you can perform together with your kids and keep them active.
- Dance together
Making them dance is one of the best physical activities for kids. For making it more fun, you can also join them for dancing. You can also set up a disco in the living room with all the cool lights and a mix-generation playlist.
- Go outside when possible
Take kids outside whenever it is possible for you. Make sure that you make them wear proper face masks and gloves.
- Comprehend academics and games
For example, when doing a maths problem, you can ask your kid to jump the boxes, etc. When studying shapes and geometry, suggest the kids step off the dimensions of the room.
- Resistance exercise
Resistance exercises are one of the best lockdown exercises. You do not have to use any additional equipment, and there is a minor chance of getting hurt. They are also beneficial for metabolic effects and have a huge mental health benefit. For example, you can use bodyweight training as a form of resistance exercise. For small kids, push-ups and mountain climbers are good lockdown exercises.
Make it a playtime for all
When asking our children to do lockdown exercises and to be physically active, you do not have to act like their PE teacher. According to a professor of health and exercise at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus, Ali McManus, you should not make the exercise too perspective. The children take it as another tedious daily task and start resisting it.
In the pandemic, the parents also need to do some exercises and refresh their bodies. You can also start exercising or playing with them. Make exercising a fun task for your children. Do not let them feel that exercise is a burden.
In these tough times, everyone does not have the privilege to stay at home and exercise. Use this time wisely for your and your kid’s health as well. And by now, you must have understood how to make kids physically active during the lockdown. So use these tips into your everyday life and stay healthy.
