Encouraging exercise (physical activities and sports)
Hey mate. What’s up? Do you want to come with me at the sports club?
Hi buddy. I can’t. I am playing my favorite online game now, then I have a lot of homework to do. Also, I don’t know anyone at the sports club. It will be weird.
Come on mate. We know each other very well. Plus, we will exercise ourselves for an hour and then we can finish our homework together because I haven’t started studying either. It is still very early in the afternoon.
Oh well. Hold on. I will ask my parents now. Mum? Dad? It’s David on the line. Is it ok to go with him on the sport club to do some exercise?
No! You are not allowed to go out, since you are playing the last couple of days for hours this online game without paying attention to your homework.
I understand that your son needs to finish his homework and study hard, however you need to encourage your kid to exercise and be happy that he asks to go for exercising.
Why?
Everyday exercise, even for a while will help your child to remain fit, healthy and full of energy. Exercising is stress relief for children, and by doing physical activities, they can appreciate friendship and teamwork.
Hmmm.. Son, it is ok to go with David at the sports club.
Yay! You are the best parents!
Why are your clothes dirty? We had a lot of fun, and because we exercised ourselves a lot, we got a bit dirty.
Mum, we have finished our homework. Can we watch football on TV?
You have finished your homework very quickly in comparison with previous times
We had a refreshed brain from the physical activity and we are full of energy! We had a very good time together and I would like to go with David again, next week!
Yo! Wanna go biking with me during the weekend?
Tips for Parents
Even short activity (e.g. 10-minute walk) can help relief anxiety or depression in children. Physical activity helps the brain to cope with stress. Be open to children’s ideas and suggestions about sport they want to try.
Actively communicate with children about their sport hobbies. Be curious about their motivations, but also about their fears. Listen to them.
Make sure that your support for kids in sport and physical activities does not create a pressure on them at the same time.
Be aware that you are a role model to children so your own attitude to physical activity shapes their views as well.
Encourage children by joining them in doing sports or physical activities. Try to keep in mind the recommendation that children should do physical activity at least 60 minutes every day. This activity can be anything from blowing bubbles through yoga to jumping on a trampoline.
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