Active play is exploratory movement that aids children in their holistic development – helping them build essential physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills.
Crucial to their growth, here are 7 ways you can encourage active play in your child.
Do it together
One of the best ways to get your child to partake in active play is by doing it together. Getting involved and experiencing the activity with them – instead of just supervising – will increase your child’s interest, allow you to bond with them, and create lasting memories for you both.
Be a good role model
Kids pick up a lot from their parents or caregivers. Setting a good example when it comes to movement, and sending positive messages about physical activity, will help instill the right sentiment in your child – that moving well does you well – thus making them want to move.
Create active family rituals
Whether it’s an after-dinner twilight walk around the neighbourhood or Saturday morning yoga, creating and maintaining active family rituals can encourage your child to make it a habit to be active. These moments of movement are also something they can look forward to every day, week, month, or whatever frequency you set.
Even better, partaking in movement as a family strengthens connections and has been proven to positively impact how children perceive exercise.
Outline the rewards of movement
Moving has many inherent benefits for the body and the mind. Focusing on the rewards of being active for its own sake is another great way to get your kid interested in active play. Understanding why being active is good for them will ultimately make them want to move more.
Create an active play area
Creating an active play zone in your house and garden can also do the trick when it comes to getting your kids up and about. Filling the area with toys and equipment that form the basis of physical activities will entice them to get a move on – being both spontaneous and creative.
Limit screen time
Limiting how long your child spends on a screen can encourage them to swap their device for active play.
You may find it helpful to create an anti-screen toybox with your child, where they can put away all screen devices at family-nominated times each day and night, then use this screen-free time to move well together.
Give active presents
When birthdays or Christmases roll around, and you consider what to get your child, opt for active gifts instead of sedentary ones.
Even though a ball may be harder to wrap than an electronic device, active presents will encourage your kid to partake in active play.