How to Get Kids Moving: Fun, Safe and Engaging Ways to Encourage Physical Activity – even if you have limited space
Keeping kids active is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Movement helps with coordination, emotional regulation, and overall health. But in today’s digital world, many parents find it challenging to get their children moving enough.
The good news? Kids naturally love to move! The key is to create an environment where movement is encouraged and where kids can move safely.
Everyday Opportunities for Movement
You don’t need an elaborate plan to get kids moving. Everyday activities around the house can provide excellent opportunities for exercise:
- Stairs: If your home has stairs, invite your child to walk up and down with you.
- Couch Cushions: Let kids use couch cushions for safe jumping and obstacle courses.
- Heavy Work: Younger children benefit from activities that involve pushing or pulling, like moving baskets or bins. If you can find a way to involve them in household chores that need movement, such as bringing the laundry basket to the washing machine, that would be great!
- Rearranging Furniture: Older kids can help move lightweight furniture, like a coffee table, which can strengthen their muscles.
Want more ideas for fun activities? Get our FREE Discerning Parent’s Toolkit!
Indoor and Outdoor Play Ideas
If your child seems restless and needs movement, here are some fun ideas to help them get moving:
- Obstacle Courses: Use household items or stepping stones to create an indoor adventure.
- Movement Challenges: Challenge kids to bear walk, crab walk, or do jumping jacks across the room.
- Exercise with Parents: Kids love to imitate, so let them join in while you work out at home. A set of light weights or yoga poses can help them get much-needed exercise, and help you bond too as a family.
- YouTube Workouts: Kid-friendly yoga and exercise videos are easily accessible online.
- Jumping Alternatives: Instead of a trampoline (which experts warn against for young children), kids can jump safely on the floor or a sturdy surface.
When to Start Organized Sports
Parents often ask when to start kids in organized sports. The answer? It depends on your child’s interest and readiness. Many sports, like soccer and T-ball, start at age 4 or 5, while activities like swimming can begin even earlier. The key is to ensure your child enjoys the activity and doesn’t feel pressured.
Be sure to seek clearance from your child’s pediatrician as well, as every child’s health condition and physical readiness would be different.
Finding the Right Balance
Too much structured activity can lead to burnout, while too little movement isn’t healthy either. Signs that a child may be overdoing it include:
- Increased fatigue or irritability
- Complaints of joint or muscle pain
- Loss of interest in the activity
- Difficulty sleeping
If your child enjoys a sport but seems exhausted or unhappy, consider adjusting their schedule or exploring a different activity.
Quitting vs. Exploring Interests
Some parents worry that allowing their child to quit a sport sends the wrong message. But if a child is miserable, forcing them to continue might do more harm than good. Instead of viewing it as quitting, see it as an opportunity to explore other activities that may be a better fit. Sometimes, a change in coach or environment can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Encouraging movement doesn’t have to be complicated. By creating a home environment that supports safe and fun activities and allowing kids to explore different forms of exercise, you’ll help them build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
This is for informational purposes only and is not meant to give or replace medical advice. See our full disclaimer policy here.