Encouraging an Active Child on Break

By Brandi Goodman 

During break times, it can be tough to motivate your child to get up and be active. Whether it's their holiday vacation, spring break, or summer vacation, it's important to keep your kids moving during the duration. Here's some ways to help encourage them to do so.

Join Them

You can't just tell your child they need to exercise. Get up and join them and make it a family activity. It will help them be motivated to actually get up and participate since you're participating as well. It can also be a great bonding time. Going for a bike ride together, playing catch outside, or going swimming are some great family options. 

Let Them Pick the Activity

Some kids dread exercise no matter what you try to get them to do. Instead of you making the plan, let your kids pick the activity instead. Tell them you can do any activity they want together that gets you moving and see what they choose. If they pick the exercise themselves, they'll be more likely to follow through with it. Even if it's something as silly as Fortnite dancing, get up and do it with them to keep them encouraged.

Turn It Into a Game

Especially for younger kids, you can make the activity part of a game. They'll be more interested in participating if it feels like a fun game rather than just exercise you're forcing them to accomplish. Hopscotch is a well-loved option for kids because of this.

Reward Them for Being Active

For those kids who really struggle to want to exercise, a reward may be necessary. Incentivizing them with a special treat or time doing something they enjoy can help them participate. Making a punch card is an easy option for this. Create a card with seven spaces. Once each day of the week is punched out and complete, they get to turn in their card for a special prize. You could also reward them with their screen time each day after they've finished at least 30 minutes of physical activity. 

During your child's school break, you need to be sure he or she is staying active and getting the necessary daily exercise. Encourage and motivate them anyway you can, whether that means getting up and dancing with them or giving them a reward for their participation. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Milpitas, Calif.