Activity Tips for Parents

It’s too easy for children to become sedentary, preferring to play computer games or watch TV than to go outside to play.

But it’s important to encourage them to take part in physical activity, to teach them to live a heart healthy lifestyle and avoid problems further on in their lives.

So why not try out our tips for getting your child more active...

• Ask children what activities they enjoy.
  Encourage them to follow their interests, and make activity fun by teaching them to ride a bike, make a kite and fly it together, teach them to run, skip or use a hula hoop.
  
  
• Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors and let them invite friends over to play.
  
  
• Spend time playing active games with your child both indoors and out. For example, chasing, hide and seek, hopscotch and skipping.
  
  
• Encourage them to walk or to do activities with friends. If they are too young to go alone, go along with them.
  
  
• Provide them with a box of sports equipment, such as balls, skipping ropes, tennis rackets, frisbees and roller skates.
  
  
• Try doing some regular activity together as a family, like walking, cycling, swimming or playing tennis. This will help your children develop a positive attitude towards physical activity.
  
  
• Talk with the parents of other children locally and arrange games in a nearby park. Take it in turns to supervise them.
  
  
• Praise and encourage children when they are taking part in an activity - particularly if they are learning a new skill. Keep feedback positive - and don't push too hard. If they enjoy the experience they'll keep taking part.
  
  
• Children learn by watching what parents do so be a role model. Show your child you enjoy and value activity by taking part yourself. Even simple things like walking instead of using the car can have a big influence.

And for more information

Visit our Publications section and get yourself a copy of our following BHF booklets...

• Get Kids on the Go leaflet (pictured right)
  
• Kids and Schools Catalogue
  
• Our most popular BHF Publications