With so many indoor entertainments today — video games, computers, cartoons, etc — it’s not surprising that the level of participation in physical activity is going down. Kids are less active; parents are less active. And in case you haven’t noticed… everybody’s weight seems to be going up!
So what can you do to help get your kids up and moving a little? Walking is a great exercise for physical AND mental health. You just need the right motivation.
- Make the walk exciting. Have a destination in mind that will be interesting to your child, even if it’s walking to the movie store to rent a new game.
- Keep in mind that younger children may not have the stamina for a long walk — you may need a stroller for your longer strolls!
- Stop and look at things along the way! Kids might not be interested in the local landscape, but they may want to look at that huge bug over there.
- Make the walk a treat, rather than a chore. Build the walk around another event — walk to a local street fair, walk to a friend’s house, or walk to a favorite picnic spot.
- Make sure everyone has comfortable clothes and shoes!
- Choose interesting routes. Maybe a nature trail, so the terrain is a little uneven and interesting? Maybe there will be a fallen tree to hop over? Maybe you’ll find a small stream to play in? Your animal lover might like to go on a walk in the woods if there’s a chance of seeing deer or chipmunks!
- Join forces with another family and plan a walk together!
- If you live close enough to school, you can always walk home together instead of driving over to pick them up and driving back. Stop for an after-school treat on the way home?
- If the walk is a fun family experience, everyone will be more likely to want to go again!