You may have noticed your child spending less time running around and more time on the couch as he has gotten older. Help him get the exercise he needs with these suggestions.
Note: Aim for 60 minutes a day of physical activity for your child. It doesn’t have to be all at once—every little bit adds up.
- Family time – Look for activities you can do together. Try ice skating, hiking, or swimming at the community pool. A nightly walk after dinner is a good way to get in chat time, along with exercise.
- Daily life – When doing errands with your middle grader, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Add extra steps by parking the car at a distance form the grocery store entrance. Assign active chores, such as sweeping, vacuuming, or cleaning out the garage.
- Special treats Use physical activity as a reward. “Finished your homework before dinner? Let’s take a bike ride!” Think of exercise when getting your youngster a birthday gift. You could give a jump rope, Frisbee, or football.
Note: Aim for 60 minutes a day of physical activity for your child. It doesn’t have to be all at once—every little bit adds up.
Source: Middle Years (c) 2007 Resources for Educators, a division of Aspen Publishers, Inc.