18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Clubs / Classes & Holiday Camps Five Top Tips For Fitter Kids! 1. MODEL IT. If your child sees you undertaking sport and physical exercise, they are more likely to take your values on board. It’s not what you say, but what you do that has an impact. If you exercise when they are at school or asleep, talk about it at dinner or breakfast and let your exercise equipment be visible. Going out for a run or bike ride? Announce it! Let them know what you’re doing and how much you enjoy it. 2. EVEN BETTER, GET ACTIVE TOGETHER! Children are naturally competitive and thrive on rewards, so take advantage! Try a family fun run, or get even the most reluctant runner charging around with a Colour Run, Santa Run or Glow Run. There are usually medals at the end too for them to proudly display at home. 3. MIX IT UP. Try as many sports as possible to develop your child’s motor skills. Children are natural cross-trainers, so the more a child is exposed to different physical activities, the more control and awareness they will have of their bodies. This helps their confidence and belief in themselves and also helps them see what sports they really enjoy. 4. PRAISE THE EFFORT RATHER THAN THE OUTCOME. Children who aren’t naturally athletic need to hear how pleased you are when they’ve achieved even a small goal. Perhaps they’ve walked further than before or maybe they’ve chosen to do something active over sitting at a screen. Whatever it is, praise the effort and the achievement they’ve met. 5. HAND OVER CONTROL. Let your children take turns at choosing an active pursuit or after school / half term holiday camp. Even if it’s a trip to the park or a walk with the dog, it all counts as exercise and if your child feels a sense of control, they are more likely to want to do it again. 5
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