| Physical activity and exercise are a key health factor in our everyday lives. An active lifestyle prevents health ailments and illnesses and increases our performance. It doesn’t matter whether it’s at school, at the gym or at the doctor’s office. It is a known fact that sporty and active children perform better than sedentary children. But why do children get less and less exercise, despite their natural urge to move around? And how can parents support their children in developing a more active lifestyle? |
There are many reasons for our societal lack of exercise: Children’s leisure time activities are constantly changing; we are seeing digital media becoming more and more suitable for children and being used more. What is more, there is a shortage of sports and exercise opportunities in the children’s immediate environment, and the decrease of health awareness in families is displacing motivation to exercise. There is also an existing lack of time due to the busy schedules of parents and also children, and of course the lack of an active role model function on the part of parents. To prevent a deficiency of physical activity in children, the help and support of parents is needed. Exercise and sports should become a natural part of everyday family life.
However, guiding children towards an active lifestyle does not mean that they have to become members of a sports club at the earliest possible stage. The right kind of exercise for the child must be found, one in which he or she enjoys and for which he or she develops an ambition. Every child can easily discover their athletic preferences and abilities through romping, playing, and trial and error. Here are a few simple tips and tricks for you as parents on how to motivate your children to get more exercise in their daily lives:
| -Adults serve as role models for children, so they should set a good example and also promote an active lifestyle themselves. -Parents should encourage and support their children’s sporting talents and abilities as early as possible. However, the activity must be enjoyable for the children, not for the parents. A good option is to attend taster courses, where different kinds of sports can be tried out for a short time. -Look for exercise and sports opportunities together within your family! This works especially well if you plan joint trips to the water park or a hike to a playground. This way, exercise can be varied and versatile. -However, parents also have to show patience on days where the child doesn’t feel like or have the energy for sports. Sports and physical exercise must not become a burden for children. |
| Finally, some good advice for parents and educators: children don’t have to limit themselves to one type of sport they want to become a pro at. The more disciplines people are allowed to test and try out at a young age, the more enjoyment they will find in the movement itself. Parents should offer their children variety when it comes to sports. For this purpose, taster days in sports clubs or vacation offers with lots of sports and exercise, such as our Sports and Adventure Weeks during summer vacations, are ideal. There, the children can count on exciting experiences and unforgettable lessons with a varied, comprehensive sports and games program. Our qualified coaches help the children to train and improve their sporting skills and coordination, and they share helpful tips and tricks in a wide range of sports. |
| Finding the perfect sport requires time and patience on the part of the parents – this is the only way to encourage children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle! |