Be a role model! Kids are sponges, they love to learn and explore. If they see you move then they will also. Include it in their daily routine! Make it exciting by trying new things!
Here are some examples:
Activities –Make scavenger hunts or go for a nature walk. Make a checklist and see how many items you can find on the list. For example- how many items that are red, soft, round, make noise, fly,? etc.
Be creative and try making some obstacle courses. Use items you have around the house and have the kids help you create the course. Participate in races, relay, 1-legged, 3-legged, crab, or potato sack.
Get out the skipping ropes, skateboards, juggling balls, hula hoops, bubbles, trampoline, kiddie pool, pool noodles, Frisbee and kites.
Try something you have never done before, maybe its acro or aerial yoga, sepak takraw (kick volleyball), aikido/kendo/judo/kung fu (martial arts), kite surfing or rock climbing. You may discover you have a new favorite.
What’s in your backyard? Do you have a tree house, sandbox or play set to get involved with your kids? If you don’t maybe this can be an opportunity for a new building project together.
Go on a family hike, bike ride or walk the dog. When you get to an option of choosing the direction let the kids take turns picking each way that they want to go. You can also let them pick an action or movement for a certain period of time for example, big steps until the next street light, walk backwards until you see a red car, hop on one foot 20 times each side, etc.
Helping with chores. No matter the age there is always something that you can get the kids involved with, for example, take out the trash, wash the car, feed the animals, complete the yard work, etc. Now these may not be exciting so and may need some creativity, motivation and encouragement.
Is your child involved in a group activity that they currently cannot
participate in? Ask them to be the teacher and have them instruct you on their gymnastic, skating, karate or dance routine. Be a good sport and have fun with it!
Games – Be creative and make up a new game or try some of these classics, hopscotch, leap frog, tag, follow the leader, Simon says, action charades, bean bag toss, move like animals, duck duck goose, over & under, what time is it Mr. wolf?, twister, keep up with a balloon/Styrofoam cup, 4 square, helicopter, lawn darts, bocce ball, dodge ball, bowling, ping pong, kick the can, hide and go seek, capture the flag, red rover, red light green light, tug of war, jacks, horse shoes, musical chairs, keep away, mother may I? etc.
If you have kids that play video games try encouraging the fitness or dance based games. You can also set up the game station without a place to sit so at least they are standing while gaming or maybe use a stationary bike as a seat. There are some apps available to make gaming more active as well.
Music – Just dance! Use songs with actions to move like, head shoulders knees and toes, if you’re happy and you know it, I’m a little tea pot, toe knee chestnut, going on a bear hunt, go bananas, baby shark, shake my sillies out, hokey pokey, wheels on the bus, chicken dance, Macarena, YMCA, etc.
Try different styles and types of dance for example, limbo, belly dancing, tap, hip hop, jazz, line, square, Zumba, jive, cha-cha-cha, or just do your own thing.
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