As parents in today’s world, we know that using technology is beneficial, but we also know that a physically active life is really important.
We surely had a far more physically active childhood than our kids have today. Kids’ activities seem to have increased as their schedules are packed and so are their sedentary behaviours thanks to all the comforts being provided to them and also due to the ease of technology in all walks of our lives.
Types of screen-time behaviours & their effects on kids
Why physical activity matters?
Moving around, playing sports and getting physically challenged is important for every kid’s energy levels, physical development, sleep, and even for superior academic performances.
Evidence suggests that physical activity and screen time behaviours are established in early childhood. Kids who develop healthy activity patterns early in life are already on a trajectory towards healthy and fit lifestyle throughout life.
Sometimes screen time can mean children sit still for too long without a break. But it is not necessary for things to be this way – you can use screen time to get your kid moving.
There are a range of things that can be done to allow technology to empower kids to get physically active. Wondering how?
Well, making exercise & workouts as exciting as a video game would be an added benefit to endorphins being released into your children’s brains because of the physical activity. This hormone is responsible for making one feel positive, happy, and good in a way that digital activities never could!
There are several videos and apps that can encourage children to dance, do yoga, learn martial arts and a lot more. Also, there are many gaming consoles that encourage them to do sports simulations and get them moving.
Here are some fun easy ways to introduce physical activity that kids can do during their screen time:
Parents as a role model
What you do and say hugely impacts your kid’s behaviour and attitude.
Here are some ways in which you can become a role model to your kid for combining screen usage and time with physical activity:
Quick tips
Here are a few tips you have to keep in mind while getting kids to exercise as it isn’t the easiest job.
Schedule it right
Make sure to pick a certain time in the day that is suitable for everyone.
Reward progress
Keep a track of all the exercises completed and even chart out the exercise-related achievements made by the kids and have a small monthly reward for the kid or family member with the most achievements.
Get your kid involved in planning
If there’s one thing kids love the most, it’s letting their creativity flow, having the reins in their own hands specially handling a device. Ask them to plan their own online workouts to follow and get them at work.
Try the above tricks and keep it fun and entertaining to see the movement magic unfold with active screen time!