How to motivate your kids

Motivation

Getting your kids motivated to do anything can sometimes be difficult! Here are some top tips to get your children motivated to exercise…

Hey gang,

Children need motivating just like the rest of us. If it’s hard for us to get motivated to lose weight or get fit or lose weight, it’s even harder for our kids.

Here are a few tips on motivating your children to get healthy:

Make an activity chart

Just like in school, use stickers and ticks for positive reinforcement. Why not create a chart that has columns for exercise and healthy eating. Whenever your child does half an hour of exercise or eats their 5 a day, they can get a gold star or sticker. Maybe after a set amount of stickers, they can get a special treat like a trip to the cinema or a new toy.

Make it fun

If your child hates the water, they will hate to go swimming every day. Ask your child what they enjoy, or try out lots of different activities with them until they find something they enjoy. Children are more likely to get moving if it’s doing something they love.


Image courtesy of Tommy Wong


Make things interesting

If you’ve been going to the local park after school every day during the week, how about on Friday you mix it up and go to an indoor climbing wall?

Get their friends involved

There are lots of group activities like a cycle ride, football, or just playing tag in the park. Make it a “day with their friends in the park”, not “exercise”. You could even get your children and their friends to join a local lesson together, like dance class or a martial art.


Image courtesy of Andrew


Make it routine

Doing something physical every day will mean that it becomes habit. Children need structure, and if they’re used to exercising young, they will continue to do so when they are older. Check out this earlier article on easy ideas for doing something physical with them everyday.

Lead by example

If your child sees you lounging on the sofa all day, but nagging them to go for a jog, they will resist. Join in with physical activities – throw a ball around, take them to the local pool, or go for a walk with them. Getting fit together is good for both of you.


Image courtesy of Sean Dreilinger


It may be difficult at first, but motivating our kids to exercise is worth it.

Be happy,

Mr. M

Thumbnail image courtesy of SylviaJadePhotography. Post images courtesy of Tommy Wong, Andrew & Sean Dreilinger.