Child obesity rates have become very high, especially in the Arab world. This is because of many unhealthy foods and meals and lack of movement. Only 1 in every 3 kids moves daily. Lack of movement is due to kids being stuck on video games, computers, tablets, and phones. So kids spend more than 7 hours a day sitting without moving.
11 ways to make your son active
Kids are naturally different, so try all these methods to find which one suits your kid.
- Consult a pediatrician: The doctor can suggest some activities suitable for your kid’s physical and mental health. They can also help explain to your kid why exercise is important and let you know its necessity.
- Look for a fun activity:Help your kid know which activity or sport he enjoys. Let the whole family encourage and join him. It will be a great time for the family to spend together.
- Pick a sport that fits the child's age: Some sports are tough for certain ages. Like, kids who are 6 or 7 shouldn't do weight lifting. But soccer and swimming work great and are fun for them.
- Plan well: Before starting a workout, make sure your kid's schedule fits it. Also, check that it won't cause mental or physical stress.
- Provide a safe environment: Make sure your kid is comfortable mentally and physically where they do sports. Their clothes should be suitable and coaches should train them properly.
- Give them toys: There are some toys you should have for your kid that help them move around. Example: Jump rope and ball games, don’t rely on games that keep them sitting for long periods.
- You should exercise yourself: Kids who see their parents exercise and enjoy it get more attached and fond of sports.
- Play with your child: There are lots of games that require movement. If you play these games with your child, they will get attached and love them.
- Turn off the TV: Cut down the hours your child spends in front of screens, whether TV, tablet, or computer. Many pediatricians recommend no more than an hour and a half daily.
- Set aside time for physical activity every day: When you reduce your child's screen time, you'll find a lot of free time. You should split it between learning new things, exercising, doing some house chores, and school homework. Exercise time should be at least an hour or an hour and a half.
- Don't pressure your child: Remember you need to listen to their body, and if they're not able to do the exercise, stop it. Let them try any other activities they choose.
If your child is lazy and inactive all the time, pay attention to their diet along with exercise. Create healthy habits like eating lots of veggies, cutting down fast food to just once a week, and consult a doctor to find out what vitamins and minerals your child needs.
Some other health tips:
Here are some tips to help make your child healthier:
First tip: Try to reduce the amount of canned food for your child.
Second tip: Always keep fruit and vegetables close to his hand.
Third tip: Try watching some shows about healthy eating in front of him.
Fourth tip: Don't force him to eat something, find out the healthy food he prefers and offer it to him.
Fifth tip:Create healthy meals that look like the junk food they like.
Some steps that help improve your child's mental health
Mental health is also important for your child's physical health, so here are some tips to help keep your child healthy:
1- Build trust: Build trust between you and your child and try to make them feel safe. Always have talks with your kids so they can tell you everything.
2- Manage stress: Teach your child how to manage their effort and don't pressure them with too many tasks and meals, so they don't feel you are a source of stress.
3- Boost your child's self-confidence: You should boost your kids' self-confidence, support them in all situations, and help them discover their talents, which improves their mental health.
4- Play with them: You should set aside time to play with your kids and join their activities. This strengthens your bond and helps build trust between you.
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