Helping your kids adopting an athletic routine from the earliest age can make a huge difference in their future. They will pay more attention to maintaining healthy habits and be less prone to conditions caused by sedentary life.
Yet, not every type of sports activity is perfect for our children.
As their bones and muscles are still growing, children shouldn’t engage in any exercising that can put too much strain on their body. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to introduce sports to your child’s life.
Ready, set, go!
1. Go swimming
Swimming is particularly useful for children’s spine and posture and it enhances the healthy physical development of the entire body. Bring some inflatable toys to have some extra fun.
2. Play ping pong
While table tennis is most popular in China, it’s getting more popular in the West as well. This simple game is great not only for fitness but also for exercising focus. If you don’t own a ping pong table, any table will work.
3. Do some yoga
Check if there are any family yoga classes in your community or consult a yoga instructor about yoga exercises appropriate for your kids. In the long-term context, yoga is great for mental well-being as well as physical health.
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4. Play mini-golf
Convenient even for the kids who have just started walking, mini golf is an amusing activity for the entire family. It can help your kid develop strategical thinking as well as motor skills.
5. Take karate lessons
More than a skill useful for self-defense, karate teaches kids discipline, devotion and staying focused on their goals. In terms of physical development, it helps their entire body grow healthily. Some karate studios offer family training.
6. Cycle around your neighborhood
Use the good weather to ride bicycles with your kid, be it in the nearby streets or parks. Go slowly so your little one could follow you. And, of course, don’t forget about the helmet, knee pads and other protective means.
7. Get rolling
Younger kids will enjoy roller skating while the older ones will feel like the coolest kids ever on their roller blades. Get the protective equipment and start by exploring your street on the wheels before your kid gets skilfull enough to go further.
8. Have fun on the ice
Don’t rush to get to the ice rink if your kid is younger than 4 or 5, as ice skating can be tricky. Yet it can be very healthy and amusing for the older children. It is best for your kid to take skating lessons given by a pro first and later the two of you can have endless winter fun!
9. Play backyard volleyball
Do you have two trees or poles in your backyard? If you do, get a volleyball net and you and your kids will never be bored again. If the entire family is playing, even better! You can use the same net to play badminton. If your kid is younger, make sure to use a lighter ball or even an inflatable one.
10. Toss the ball
If you are a toddler mom, don’t make things too challenging with complicated games and rules. Get a softer ball, toss the ball around, teach your kids how to catch it and help them develop their motor skills.
11. Play soccer or basketball
The two most popular sports on the planet are great when you want your child to be healthy and learn a bit about teamwork. Gather other parents and children and maybe you can even organize a mini sports tournament.
12. Play with a hula hoop
Hula hoops are getting back on the mainstream toy scene, which is great news as playing with it is beneficial for your children in several ways. Among the top reasons to get one is its potential for helping your kids develop a good balance.
13. Jump on a trampoline
If your child is not too young, a trampoline may become their new favorite thing. It is a great way for the little ones to spend all their extra energy. If your child is younger, a safer option means jumping in an inflatable castle.
14. Play traditional outdoor games
Running around in your yard, playing tag, it or any similar game counts as exercise as well. Plus, it is a splendid way for you to share a part of your childhood with your kids.
15. Dance!
The effects of dancing are unfairly underrated when it comes to kids’ fitness and health. It can be a delightful family activity, helping you all stay active without sweating too much, and it is a way to teach your kid how to cherish music.
Try to keep things interesting and mix several of the activities above.
Kids are curious and love exploring different things, especially when it comes to sports.
What’s your children’s favorite type of exercise? Feel free to share your ideas with us in the comments!
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