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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Screen time
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children from the US aged 8 to 10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen. They estimate that children aged 11 to 10 spend between seven and nine hours in front of a screen.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Why do kids shy away from exercise?
- While it's easy to blame laziness or too much time in front of screens, kids avoid exercising for several reasons. Stressed-out kids often feel tired and withdrawn, making them less inclined to work out.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Shy or introverted personalities
- Children who are shy or introverted may not feel comfortable joining a sports team or running around outside with the neighborhood kids.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
They aren't interested in sports or outdoor play
- Some children aren't interested in sports or outdoor play. Creative forms of exercise, involving music, for instance, can help motivate these children.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Why physical activity is harder for some children
- A child who is sensitive to loud noises may struggle in a noisy gymnasium. Other kids might not enjoy the close contact of some forms of play.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Why physical activity is harder for some children
- Some children are naturally clumsier than others and may feel embarrassed around more athletic friends or frustrated when they have trouble mastering a new skill.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
How much exercise should children do?
- Kids should engage in at least one hour of physical activity each day. While any form of movement is encouraged, any exercise that increases their heart rates is best.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Types of exercise
- Exercises that develop balance and coordination should be encouraged as children grow up. Try getting your kids to ride a bicycle or jump rope.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Types of exercise
- Resistance and strength training are just as important as aerobic activities. Calisthenic exercises like bear crawls or swinging on monkey bars can help kids build muscle.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
When children are not motivated to exercise
- If your kids aren't motivated to exercise, set a limit for how long they can watch TV or use their devices each day. You could also try encouraging your children to play outside for 30 minutes before dinner.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Think outside the box
- Not every child is drawn to organized sports, so consider other activities your child will enjoy, like dancing, rock climbing, or swimming.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Think outside the box
- It may take some trial and error to find an activity your child enjoys, but keep trying until something sticks.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Join in the game
- Encourage your child's fitness by joining in with them. Have a game of catch or play hopscotch. You don't need fancy play equipment or special classes to get your child moving.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Consider getting a dog
- A 2024 study found that having a dog can boost daily activity levels in girls by 52 minutes a day.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Keep temptation at bay
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get no more than one to two hours of screen time a day.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Keep temptation at bay
- To ensure your child isn't getting more than two hours of screen time per day, try removing temptation. Keep TVs out of bedrooms and put the computer or laptop in a shared space where you can supervise.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Lead by example
- If you spend your evenings in front of the TV with snacks and the remote in easy reach, you won't be practicing what you preach. Serve as a role model by incorporating activity into your everyday life.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Lead by example
- When you're out and about or at work, climb the stairs rather than wait for the elevator or walk instead of driving. Partake in active pursuits and let your kids see and hear about how much you enjoy them.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Offer positive feedback
- Praise your child for reaching goals, whether that's biking further than last time or perfecting a handstand. Remember to acknowledge the effort rather than the outcome to help build your child's confidence.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Offer positive feedback
- Children who aren't naturally athletic may be self-conscious about their abilities and may fear public failure, embarrassment, or teasing. They'll need all the support and cheerleading you can offer.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Bring a friend
- Kids love hanging out with their friends, so invite them along to the playground or on a bike ride. Your child might be more inclined to join a team sport with their buddy in tow.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Make fitness fun
- Make sure the focus is on making fitness fun and not competition or winning, as this can dampen your child's enthusiasm for sports.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Use exercise as a reward
- Forcing a child to go outside and play or using exercise as a punishment may backfire and cause resentment and resistance. Instead, your child might be happy to play basketball for 15 minutes if it's a chance to take a break from homework.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Incorporate physical activity into your life
- You and your child are more likely to stick to exercise if you incorporate it into your lives. For example, Saturday mornings are for family bike rides.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Take a non-negotiable position
- Regular exercise is crucial for your child's physical and mental health. It should be as non-negotiable as brushing their teeth or wearing a seat belt.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Make exercise cool
- Some children respond to the concept of something being cool or trendy. They may want to take up skateboarding after watching Tony Hawk or learn their favorite K-pop group's choreography.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Let your child decide
- Let your child choose the type of movement. It could be a hike at the weekend or a walk to the library after school.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Make it fun
- Physical activity doesn't have to be dull. Young children are sure to love crab walks and bear crawls, while older children and tweens will enjoy dance video games.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Physical activity for teenagers
- While teenagers should engage in high-energy physical activity, mind-body exercises like yoga can reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Sources: (WebMD) (NPR) (CNN) See also: Understanding the different types of yoga, and their benefits
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Screen time
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children from the US aged 8 to 10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen. They estimate that children aged 11 to 10 spend between seven and nine hours in front of a screen.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Why do kids shy away from exercise?
- While it's easy to blame laziness or too much time in front of screens, kids avoid exercising for several reasons. Stressed-out kids often feel tired and withdrawn, making them less inclined to work out.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Shy or introverted personalities
- Children who are shy or introverted may not feel comfortable joining a sports team or running around outside with the neighborhood kids.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
They aren't interested in sports or outdoor play
- Some children aren't interested in sports or outdoor play. Creative forms of exercise, involving music, for instance, can help motivate these children.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Why physical activity is harder for some children
- A child who is sensitive to loud noises may struggle in a noisy gymnasium. Other kids might not enjoy the close contact of some forms of play.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Why physical activity is harder for some children
- Some children are naturally clumsier than others and may feel embarrassed around more athletic friends or frustrated when they have trouble mastering a new skill.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
How much exercise should children do?
- Kids should engage in at least one hour of physical activity each day. While any form of movement is encouraged, any exercise that increases their heart rates is best.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Types of exercise
- Exercises that develop balance and coordination should be encouraged as children grow up. Try getting your kids to ride a bicycle or jump rope.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Types of exercise
- Resistance and strength training are just as important as aerobic activities. Calisthenic exercises like bear crawls or swinging on monkey bars can help kids build muscle.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
When children are not motivated to exercise
- If your kids aren't motivated to exercise, set a limit for how long they can watch TV or use their devices each day. You could also try encouraging your children to play outside for 30 minutes before dinner.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Think outside the box
- Not every child is drawn to organized sports, so consider other activities your child will enjoy, like dancing, rock climbing, or swimming.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Think outside the box
- It may take some trial and error to find an activity your child enjoys, but keep trying until something sticks.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Join in the game
- Encourage your child's fitness by joining in with them. Have a game of catch or play hopscotch. You don't need fancy play equipment or special classes to get your child moving.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Consider getting a dog
- A 2024 study found that having a dog can boost daily activity levels in girls by 52 minutes a day.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Keep temptation at bay
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get no more than one to two hours of screen time a day.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Keep temptation at bay
- To ensure your child isn't getting more than two hours of screen time per day, try removing temptation. Keep TVs out of bedrooms and put the computer or laptop in a shared space where you can supervise.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Lead by example
- If you spend your evenings in front of the TV with snacks and the remote in easy reach, you won't be practicing what you preach. Serve as a role model by incorporating activity into your everyday life.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Lead by example
- When you're out and about or at work, climb the stairs rather than wait for the elevator or walk instead of driving. Partake in active pursuits and let your kids see and hear about how much you enjoy them.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Offer positive feedback
- Praise your child for reaching goals, whether that's biking further than last time or perfecting a handstand. Remember to acknowledge the effort rather than the outcome to help build your child's confidence.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Offer positive feedback
- Children who aren't naturally athletic may be self-conscious about their abilities and may fear public failure, embarrassment, or teasing. They'll need all the support and cheerleading you can offer.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Bring a friend
- Kids love hanging out with their friends, so invite them along to the playground or on a bike ride. Your child might be more inclined to join a team sport with their buddy in tow.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Make fitness fun
- Make sure the focus is on making fitness fun and not competition or winning, as this can dampen your child's enthusiasm for sports.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Use exercise as a reward
- Forcing a child to go outside and play or using exercise as a punishment may backfire and cause resentment and resistance. Instead, your child might be happy to play basketball for 15 minutes if it's a chance to take a break from homework.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Incorporate physical activity into your life
- You and your child are more likely to stick to exercise if you incorporate it into your lives. For example, Saturday mornings are for family bike rides.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Take a non-negotiable position
- Regular exercise is crucial for your child's physical and mental health. It should be as non-negotiable as brushing their teeth or wearing a seat belt.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Make exercise cool
- Some children respond to the concept of something being cool or trendy. They may want to take up skateboarding after watching Tony Hawk or learn their favorite K-pop group's choreography.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Let your child decide
- Let your child choose the type of movement. It could be a hike at the weekend or a walk to the library after school.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Make it fun
- Physical activity doesn't have to be dull. Young children are sure to love crab walks and bear crawls, while older children and tweens will enjoy dance video games.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Physical activity for teenagers
- While teenagers should engage in high-energy physical activity, mind-body exercises like yoga can reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Sources: (WebMD) (NPR) (CNN) See also: Understanding the different types of yoga, and their benefits
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Should your kids be more active? Follow these tips
How to get your children moving!
© Shutterstock
While some children love nothing more than a game of soccer or clambering all over the jungle gym, others prefer to spend their free time in front of iPads, TVs, or PlayStations. Experts suggest children should get 60 minutes of exercise daily, but how do you implement this when your child would rather stay home? If you're the parent or guardian of a child who needs to be more physically active, then this informative gallery is for you.
Click through to discover handy tips to get your youngsters moving.
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