The lifestyles of the modern days have changed and have affected the children also. The kids are no longer active as they were a few decades ago.
Some kids in urban India have busy after-school schedules. They attend drawing class, grammar class, mental math’s coaching class etc to increase their brain power but the kids have little or no physical activity.
It has been seen that most kids are obsessed with a video game, or are a TV junkie, or a full time internet surfer. Studies suggest that children in metro cities spend more than 3 hours each day watching TV, playing video game or surfing the net. They do not perform any physical activity. They eat more calories than they burn and hence are not able to maintain their ideal weight.
Ritu Sharma a parent of a teenager says, “Every time I ask my son Ayush to go outside and play an outdoor sport, he whines to let him finish his TV program, or one more video game. He performs no physical activity and has gained a lot of weight. He fails to understand the importance of fitness, diet and maintaining ideal weight. I do not understand how can I get my son of the couch and burn calories.”
If you are also concerned about your kids health and would like your kids to perform regular physical activity read on.
Physical activity does not mean exercising per se. A child can add physical activity in their daily schedule in a number of ways. Read here a few simple ways to add activity to your kid’s schedule.
- Choose the right activity
Not all kids like to play sports like football or cricket. Do not force your kid to play a sport that you enjoy. Look out for other activities that he enjoys like dancing, swimming, martial arts etc. If your child enjoys dancing, he will rush to his dance class and move with all his energy, but if you force a kid to join a dance class who loves to play cricket, he will not perform the activity whole heartedly and will look out for reasons to miss the class.
It is important that you do not pressurize the child to be the best or fuss at them if they are the worst. Let them participate. In fact appreciating the child’s effort and encouraging him on achieving even smaller goals will increase their motivation level and enhance their performance.
Kids love when parents participate in their activity. Make time for family fun and playing games. Let outings not be limited to going out for a movie, or for a dinner together. You can encourage your kid’s fitness regime by going for a swim, trek or a walk together. The time spent with them will not only make them healthy but will also increase your family bonding.
On a lighter note, you may also lose weight and stay fit.
It important to limit the time kids spend on watching TV, playing video games or surfing the internet. Encourage kids to take up a hobby or a pastime that involves physical activity.
It is important that you follow the same rule. If you sit in front of the TV with remote control in your hands for longer durations the kids will not respect the limitations laid on them. It is also important to act as role models by adding a physical activity in your daily routine.
- Follow the 'No excuse' rule
Just like brushing your teeth, going to the school are a part of the daily schedules, participation in the physical activity should also be a part of the routine where ‘no excuses’ for denials are permitted.
Stand firm on your decision and don’t let the child debate over merits of playing video games over playing cricket.
Always remember that children learn from what they see. If you set the right example of a person who values the importance of fitness, your kids will definitely care about fitness in their lives.
