A new major study stated that only 1 out of 10 children gets enough physical training every day. The rest, or in other words, 90 per cent of care believed to be ‘couch potato’ children. Having a sedentary life may have numerous setbacks, especially in the mental and physical growth of a child.
This increases the risks of obesity, chronic diseases and heart problems in your child. So, if your kid happens to be a couch potato what should you do? First, know the reason behind it and take essential steps. Keep reading to know effective tips to turn couch potato children into active kids.
Couch Potato Children: Possible Reasons
There are various reasons for kids to prefer a sedentary lifestyle.
- As kids develop a sense of individualism and independence, they also find themselves other interests and hobbies. Some children engross in studying up to an extent that refuses to leave their private space to exercise.
- Participation in sports is becoming more selective. Children may feel left behind due to rejections regarding their lack of skills. Kids’ motivation to play sports will gradually be lessened due to this.
- The cost of sports facilities is becoming higher, which may play as a hindrance to children’s participation in physical training.
Side-Effects of Being a Couch Potato
The act of sitting still for long may lead to several health risks and affect quality of life. A sedentary lifestyle may also result in many other illnesses such as anxiety, cardiovascular disease, migraines, breast cancer, colon cancer, depression, diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure.
Ways to Turn Your Couch Potato Children into an Active One
It is essential you have a proper strategy to encourage kids to get active. The best way to deal is to make a plan for how your child may get rid of his/her bed and indulge in physical activities.
The following are the plans that you may initiate:
- Introduce your child to art, craft or dancing. Make sure the activity that you take up is new to them;
- Encourage your child to try a new sport, for example, swimming or cycling;
- Motivate your couch potato child to learn cooking;
- Gift them active toys, for example, jump ropes or trampoline;
- Turn off your television and wi-fi for certain periods during the day;
- Play with your child;
- Make homework fun;
- Teach him/her gardening;
- Set rewards to receive after completing any activities.
These are some activities that you may try to make your couch potato children more physically active.
However, the following are the pointers that you must keep in mind:
- Don’t overdo especially physical activities like exercises or playing a sport. This may strain or increase the risk of injury and might drop your child’s weight below an average level.
- Make sure that your child is playing or performing an activity in a safe environment. Also, make sure the clothing is comfortable and child equipment is safe to use.
- Always try something new. Children get bored easily. They need change so it’s best to bring variety to each activity they perform.
Fun Activities
Scientifically, when your body is less active, there is less fat burn resulting in the accumulation of fat in the body. This may increase the risks of obesity and becoming overweight. Such body issues invite numerous dangerous diseases, disorders and complications.
This is why, as a parent, it is important to make sure your child stays physically active and has fun while doing so.
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