Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Now is the perfect time to set up good habits that will keep your family happy, healthy and active all year long! And here are 6 ways you can get started!

 

  1. Get involved in team sports!

The first few months of the year is the perfect time for your kids to get involved in a team sport! Chat with them about which sports they’re interested in trying this year, or find out what their friends and classmates are participating in.

There are so many reasons team sports are a good idea:

  • Team activities are great for social interactions.
  • Kids learn teamwork and shared goals.
  • Games, training and practice keep them active a few times a week.
  • If your kids are at a new school this year, sports are a good way to meet new friends and kick off any potential play dates.
  • They’re easy for parents to get involved in! Whether it’s helping out with coaching, cheering on from the sidelines or running around at home to help get some extra practice in!

 

  1. Embrace good behaviours at home

As every parent can relate – kids pick up on the habits of those around them! Just by being a great example yourself, you can help your kids embrace the same behaviours.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Don’t hide away when you exercise! Let them see and join in on the activity. Encourage them to be a part of the conversation and keep it positive!
  • Walk the dog as often as you can! Invite the kids along and do it as a family!
  • If you need an inspiration boost, drive to your favourite scenic walking spot, like the beach or a dog-friendly park!
  • Don’t forget about your backyard! Anything active you can do together outside is a great start! Kick a ball around outside, or put your trampoline to good use!
  • Lay down a mat on the grass and do some yoga together!
  • Remember the old elastics jumping games? Teach your kids this retro fun blast from the past! You can pop down to Spotlight and make your own DIY version! It’s even trending in some schools now – the kids will thank you for it later!

 

  1. Encourage your kids to push their limits

Get your kids outside their comfort zones and they’ll achieve new levels of success! By trying something new or entering in a local comp, they’ll learn discipline, bravery and perseverance! Whether they come first place or get a participation award, it’s all about giving something a go!

Here are a few great ideas:

  • For older kids, local junior triathlons or fun runs are great challenges to get involved in! It’s all about participation, setting personal goals and giving it a go!
  • Little athletics is another great challenge for warmer months, giving kids a broad range of activities to get involved in.
  • Embrace any school initiatives like Jump Rope for Heart and encourage your kids to set achievable personal goals.
  • For kids who are shy, joining a new sport or group can be a challenge enough, but one that will benefit them greatly!

 

  1. Teach your kids active life skills

Any activity that also gives your kids important or useful life skills is definitely a plus.

For example, swimming is a great activity that provides important life skills. And it doesn’t stop at being able to swim. Being confident at treading water and floating are also great life skills for obvious reasons – you can never have too many water skills!

And of course, getting the kids involved in swimming can benefit your health at the same time! While the kids are in their lessons, you can do a few quick laps towards your own fitness goals!

 

  1. Think outside the box

When the glorious weekends arrive, think outside the box when you decide what you want to do for entertainment. There are plenty of really fun activities that also happen to be great exercise.

Here are some ideas to get you inspired!

  • Hit up a local tennis court, basketball court or squash court for a bit of friendly family competition.
  • Drive somewhere you haven’t been before for a hike and a picnic.
  • Take the kids to a skate park.
  • Go somewhere exciting for a family bike ride.
  • Treat the family to some indoor rolling skating.
  • Go crazy at an inflatable water park.
  • Lash out and take the kids to laser tag! Sure to get everyone running around.
  • Act like a tourist and explore around a local attraction – anything that will encourage excited little people to actively explore!

 

  1. Put some bounce in their step!

 Did you know trampolines provide great health benefits for kids? Just because the kids are back to school doesn’t mean they don’t have time to play in the backyard! Just 10 minutes bouncing a day can provide great health benefits (and a whole lot of fun).

There are so many reasons a trampoline in your backyard is beneficial for your kids (and you):

  • Bouncing is a fun way to keep active and fit!
  • Jumping enhances children’s muscle development.
  • Bouncing strengthens bones and reinforces joints.
  • Jumping makes you happy! Increased oxygen circulation stimulates the release of mood-enhancing endorphins!
  • Jumping calms kids down and helps improve concentration!
  • Bouncing on a trampoline can improve kids’ engagement in learning.
  • The shifting centre of gravity improves balance and coordination which also can improve confidence in sports.
  • Trampolines encourage kids to spend more time outside, breathing in fresh air and getting lots of vitamin D!
  • Jumping detoxifies the body and strengthens the immune system by stimulating internal organs, promoting lymphatic circulation and pushing toxins out of cells.
  • Jumping is a great form of exercise for parents too, providing you with a killer workout in just 10 minutes!

 

 Enjoy reading this article? You can read more on the Springfree Beyond the Bounce blog or learn more about Springfree Trampoline,

 

You may also like to read:

How to Motivate your Kids in the Morning

DIY Backyard Fun! 15 Fun Ideas to Entertain Your Kids!