Encouraging Exercise (Physical activities and sports)
Hey Jason. What’s up? Do you want to come to the sports club with me to have some fun?
Hey David. Im playing my favourite online game now, and then I need to get my homework done. Also, I dont know anyone at the club, it will be weird!
Come on mate, we know each other! We can exercise for an hour, then we can work on our homework together, because I haven't started it either. It’s still early in the afternoon!
Ok then, hold on, I will ask my parents.
Mum? Dad? Can I go to the sports club with David to do some exercise?
No, you cant go out because you have been playing that game for the last couple of days and you have not been paying attention to your homework! You need to study!
Hey there! It’s important that Jason finishes his homework and studies hard, but you also need to encourage him to exercise. It’s a great thing that he is asking to go out and be active!
Why? What good will it do him?
A little exercise every day, even for a while, will help him to remain fit, healthy and full of energy. Exercise is stress relief for children, and by doing physical activities they can appreciate friendship and learn about teamwork!
That is important! Ok Jason, you can go with David to the club. Just make sure you come home in time to finish your homework.
Yay! You are the best parents!
Hi boys, why are your clothes dirty? We exercised a lot, and we got a bit dirty too without realising!
Wow! You finished your homework really fast compared to other times!
Mum, we finished all our homework! Can we watch football on TV now?
We were refreshed from our exercise, and we were full of energy to do our homework. I think we should go to the sports club more often, lets go again next week!
I have an idea! How about we go biking tomorrow after school?
Yeah!!
Encourage activities, even short ones!
Tips for Parents
Ask your children what they find fun! Be open to children's ideas and suggestions about what activity they want to try.
Find the balance! Make sure that you support your children and encourage them to do sports and activities, but make sure that it does not create pressure that will discourage them. Be a role model! Be aware that you are a role model to your children, o your own attitude TOWARDS physical activity.
Even a 10 minute walk can help relieve anxiety and depression in children. Physical activity helps the brain to cope with stress.
Communicate! Actively communicate with your children about their physical hobbies. Be curious about their motivations but also about their fears, listen to them!
Be an example! Encourage children by joining them in whatever activities they find fun! They will be excited that you are taking part too!
Be creative! The recommended amount of physical activity per day for children is 60 minutes. The activities can be anything from blowing bubbles, through to yoga, to jumping on a trampoline!
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