How Can I Help My Child Be More Physically Active?

Close-up of a Child's feet playing hop scotch outdoors

Being physically active has many health benefits regardless of age. It’s especially important to help kids develop 和 grow into healthy adults. The 美国心脏协会 recommends kids 和 teens (ages 6-17) get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

In today’s digital world, it can be hard to coax your kids to put down the devices 和 get moving. 但只要稍加努力, you can help them learn healthy habits now 和 find activities they can love for a lifetime.

为什么对孩子来说运动很重要?

和成年人一样, increased physical activity in kids is associated with longer life 和 decreased risk of many diseases 和 health problems. Some benefits may appeal to kids’ competitive nature 和 desire to do their best.

爱运动的孩子更有可能:

  • 健康的体重.
  • 更强壮,更健康的骨骼和肌肉.
  • 更好的心脏和大脑健康.
  • improved brain function, including memory, attention 和 problem-solving.
  • better school attendance 和 academic performance, especially in math, reading 和 writing.
  • lower long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes 和 some kinds of cancer.
  • less stress 和 fewer symptoms of anxiety 和 depression.
  • less inappropriate 和 distracting classroom behavior.
  • improved mental health 和 psychological well-being, including confidence 和 self-esteem.

我如何鼓励我的孩子积极活动?

儿童天生活跃. As they grow into adolescents, they tend to become less active. This is especially true for girls, who may need even more support 和 encouragement to stay active. Don’t be surprised or disappointed if your kids’ interests change. Help them find other activities they can enjoy.

这些建议可能会有所帮助:

  • 树立积极的生活方式. 开始 将更多的 你自己,想办法去做 作为一个家庭一起活跃起来.

  • Physical activity should be fun for children 和 adolescents. Encourage kids to figure out activities they like 和 will stick with. 不要用体育锻炼作为惩罚.

  • 减少或限制久坐 屏幕沙巴足球体育平台, including watching television, playing video games 和 using a digital device. Don’t use the TV or a device as a babysitter.

  • 给孩子提供活动的机会. Give them toys 和 games such as bikes, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, jump ropes 和 balls.

  • 支持他们参加体育运动, dance 和 other active recreation such as swimming, 骑自行车和跑步. Get familiar with community facilities near you: pools, recreation centers, bike paths 和 parks.

  • When safe, let them walk or bicycle to places instead of always driving them. For example, you could walk or bike to school or the bus stop together.

  • If your child is very inactive now, start slowly. Increase the amount 和 intensity of activity gradually each week or so to avoid discomfort, 伤害或挫折.

  • Praise, rewards 和 encouragement help kids to stay active.

What if my child is uncoordinated, disabled or overweight?

All children, even differently abled ones, need to be physically active. Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical 和 psychological well-being of children with a disability or weight problem. Ask your child’s pediatric health care team for advice on physical activities, 和 support your child in being as active as possible. 庆祝成就和成功.

结果是什么??

We all benefit from 将更多的 和 sitting less. How can you add easy 和 fun ways to move more into your family’s daily routine?

了解更多有关 美国心脏协会’s physical activity recommendations for kids 和 adults.

Want to help all kids have more opportunities for physical activity? Learn how to advocate in your community by signing up for 健康儿童之声.