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Getting Kids Active,
Keeping It Fun
All Jack likes to do is sit at the
computer. He’s only 9, but already his lifestyle is
sedentary and his weight isn’t what it should be. As a
concerned parent, you encourage him to exercise: You tell
him how important it is and that it’s good for him. And if
Jack’s like most children, your explanation got you
exactly…nowhere! So what can you do? Try some of these
kid-friendly tactics:
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Don’t use the word exercise. Instead, use words such as
fun and
play.
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Keep a stock of items that you child can get active
with: beanbags, jump ropes, kickballs, hula hoops.
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Suggest a party or get-together for your child and his
or her friends during which they can play active games
like “Red Light, Green Light” and “Simon Says.”
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Sculpt your approach around your child’s natural
interests. If your child loves to read, suggest riding a
bike to the library to get books. If your child loves
surfing the Internet, ask him or her to research a
topic—gardening, for instance; then plant one together.
If your child’s passion is video games, buy one that
incorporates body movement, such as “Dance Dance
Revolution.”
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Plan a nature walk or a day out skating, swimming, or
any other active endeavor your child enjoys.
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If your child is a TV-watcher, take advantage of the
commercials. Suggest doing a little cardio movement
(just don’t call it cardio!) before the show resumes:
walking up and down some stairs, seeing who can do more
toe touches or jumping jacks, or marching in place and
counting steps.
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If your child is a pet-lover, ask him or her to take the
dog for a walk or race with the dog in an enclosed area.
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If you need something from the store, ask your child to
walk there with you. Play “I –Spy” or other such games
along the way.
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