How to Motivate (Not Force!) The Child to Adopt an Active Lifestyle

From the first steps, the child feels the need to move. All you have to do is bring it to the playground to convince yourself of this - it will climb on the slide, it will squat, it will hang on a ladder or rope, and so on.

Today's little ones have other alternatives - cartoons, computer games, gadgets, toys that develop analytical and creative thinking. These tools are beneficial, but they can also be harmful if used in excess and the child becomes accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. Today we will tell you how to motivate (not force!) The child to love the movement.

The benefits of an active lifestyle:

• adequate physical development, normal weight, and strong immunity;

• strong muscles and bones;

• low risk of developing type 2 diabetes;

• peaceful sleep;

• self-confidence and high self-esteem;

• discipline and ambition.

Parents need to keep in mind that not all children are the same and that they develop differently. One is physically stronger, the other is weaker.

So, the parents' expectations should not exceed the child's physical preparation, otherwise, they risk affecting him emotionally, and the consequences will be seen in time in the form of frustrations, lack of self-confidence, irascibility, depression, etc.

Psychologists largely distinguish three types of children:

1. Non-athlete: This child may not have sports skills, interest in physical activity, or exercise. He is more sensitive and frail than his peers, so this child will need a more emotionally personalized approach.
2. The occasional athlete: this child is interested in being active, but it does not mean that he will become a star in the world of sports.
3. Sportsman: This child has innate sports skills. It can achieve extraordinary performance in a certain kind of sport. With these skills, the child can also participate in sports competitions and even become a star in the world of sports (if he gives enough time and effort to the field).

Regardless of temperament and physical training, all children can be involved in sports activities. The athlete, for example, will want to be part of the basketball team, while the occasional athlete can only enjoy running on the playground.

The non-athlete will probably need more help and encouragement from his or her parents to be physically active. It is important to encourage children to be active even if they do not perform best.

And one more thing: the sooner the child gets involved in activities that involve physical involvement, the easier it will be to get him to think that these are a normal part of his daily routine.

General rules:

• the sport must correspond to the age and temperament of the child,

• sports occupation should bring satisfaction and pleasure to the child,

• active lifestyle should not be imposed on the child,

• all family members should do sports and help each other,

• the child must be motivated to play sports.

We turn to concrete advice.

Consider your temperament and age

Children up to the age of three need active games and exercises to develop motor skills. Teach him ball games, including kicks and throws, jumping from one leg to the other, and other jumping games. At this age, you can also teach your child to ride a bicycle or a bicycle with safety wheels.

Up to the age of four, children are not recommended to participate in team sports, because at this age they are not yet trained as individual personalities. Children may not understand the rules of the game and there is a risk that they will suffer from a lack of attention in a team game or a possible failure.

Also, children have not yet developed the coordination skills needed to get involved in active games, such as football. And if the team members are with different physical training, then such a game will only lead to fatigue, boredom, and disappointment in sports.

However, from the age of four to five, children can get involved in more complex sports - swimming, rollerblading, running.

At school age, children start spending more time in front of screens. The task of the parents is to help the children to find activities that will please them. There are many options - from team sports such as basketball and football to popular sports such as yoga and skateboarding.

Children between the ages of 6 and 17 should be involved in activities that require physical effort for at least 60 minutes a day. These can be sports sections, active games on the playground, etc.

Make sure the little one has the necessary equipment

Almost every sport needs sports inventory and protective equipment. If your mission is to help your kid learn to ride a bike, make sure you buy not only a bicycle but also a safety helmet, knee pads, armrests, and armrests. If you want to arouse his interest in football - buy him a ball.

It is also very important to help the child choose comfortable clothes and shoes. Maybe the reason he doesn't want to go to training is that his sneakers are tight.

Don't forget the fun

Usually, the parents focus on the result, while the children experience the pleasure of the action. If the child likes the lesson (swimming, horseback riding, running), then he will want to get results. Therefore, look for what is of interest to the child without imposing his desires.

Praise him for every achievement and be sure to have fun.

And one more thing: don't let your child be lazy in front of the TV or computer. Play hide-and-seek, challenge him to take part in the pillow fight, dance, play treasure hunts, go for a walk, and so on. It is not necessary to raise a performance athlete, but it is vital for your child to love movement because a healthy child is an active one.