Top tips to get your children exercising

General Health and Wellbeing

Did You Know?

  • Only 1 in 3 children are physically active every day.
  • Less than 50% of the time spent in sports practice, games, and physical education class involves moving enough to be considered physical activity.
  • Children and teens spend more than 7 hours per day on average using TVs, computers, phones, and other electronic devices for entertainment.
  • About 1 out of 3 children is either overweight or obese in the Australia.
  • Overweight teens have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

Getting Started

Parents can play a key role in helping their child become more physically active. Parents have the biggest influence on a child attitude and behaviours. They are therefore highly influential in teaching them the benefits of exercise and leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

Our 10 tips to get kids moving….

  1. Find a fun activity. Help your child find a sport that he/she enjoys. The more she enjoys the activity, the more likely they will continue it. Get the entire family involved. It is a great way to spend time together.
  2. Choose an activity that is developmentally appropriate. For example, a 7- or 8-year-old child is not ready for weight lifting or a 10km run, but bicycle riding, ball games and swimming are all appro­priate activities.
  3. Plan ahead. Make sure your child has a convenient time and place to exercise.
  4. Provide a safe environment. Make sure your child’s equipment and chosen site for the sport or activity are safe. Make sure your child’s clothing is comfortable and appropriate.
  5. Provide active toys. Young children especially need easy access to a bike, encouraging_fam_fitness_bikesballs, jump ropes, and other active toys.
  6. Be a role model. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are more likely to do so themselves. We often go on family bike rides as a family.
  7. Play with your child. Help him/her learn a new sport or activity.
  8. Turn off the TV. Limit TV watching and computer use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of total screen time, including TV, videos, computers, and video games, each day. Use the free time for more physical activities.
  9. Make time for exercise. Some children are so overscheduled with homework, music lessons, and other planned activities that they do not have time for exercises.
  10. Do not overdo it. Exercise and physical activity should not hurt. If this occurs, your child should slow down or try a less vigorous activity. As with any activity, it is important not to overdo it.