I worry, in the winter months, that my kids don’t get enough exercise. We go sledding every weekend and play in the snow when we can, but during the week they’re far more likely to choose to play with their toys than go outside.
Experts have long said that kids need a full hour of moderate physical activity a day. While toddling may count as moderate physical activity for a one-year-old, older kids really need to get out and move to get their heart rate up. Unfortunately, a lot of our kids just aren’t getting that much movement every day.
A study out of Britain measured the daily activity of 1,892 schoolchildren and found that up to 39 percent of girls and 18 percent of boys aren’t getting a full hour of exercise every day. Interestingly, however, 80 percent of parents reported that their kids were plenty active.
While you can count physical education as exercise, you can’t depend on those 30 minutes (often just once a week) to keep your kids fit. Recess counts, too, as long as kids are outside playing. But most children are going to need active play after school to reach that one hour mark. Here are some ideas:
Get outside: Kids spend long days inside studying. Let them take advantage of that natural outdoor light, soak up a little vitamin D, and get some necessary exercise by scheduling a regular outdoor playtime after school every day. With the right gear, even kids in the most northern states will enjoy their time out in the snow.
Have a plan B: Snow, rain, frigid temperatures — sometimes outdoor play isn’t an option. Inside, you can get kids moving with active games like Hyperdash, indoor tag (if you’ve got the room), or, for younger kids, CDs that encourage movement. We love Greg and Steve at our house.
Be a good role model: Kids need time to play and explore on their own, but active family time not only gives you time to bond, it teaches kids that fitness is a life long habit. Try family walks after dinner, bike rides on the weekends, or an afternoon spent sledding together on a Saturday.
Do you think your kids get enough exercise? What are your tips for keeping them moving?