Did you know only 1 in 3 children get adequate exercise in a day?
Not all tiny tots are bouncing balls of energy. Some little ones really need encouragement to be active. What can you do to get your toddler to be more active?
Here are five activities you can try:
- Bike time: If your toddler doesn’t have one already, buy your little one a little tricycle. Make cycle time a part of your routine and take your child out every day at the same time for some time cycling.
- Family games: Toddlers cannot play complicated games, but they love to chase and be chased. Pretend to be the tickle monster and chase your little toddler around. Then have him/her chase you around.
- Play dates: Most play dates tend to be sedentary events, where your toddler and his/her play date sit around toys and play together. Instead, plan an outdoors play date. Take your children to the park, or to an activity centre where they can bounce on a trampoline or climb rope ladders together.
- Swimming: Do you think toddlers are too young to swim? Take your toddler with you the next time your family goes for a swim. Make sure he/she stays in the baby pool or shallow end. Carry floatation toys. An early introduction to the pool and water will help your child overcome any fears about water. Also, it might interest him/her in learning to swim early.
- Family walks: Take your toddlers on walks with the family. You can take him/her to a local green area and let the run alongside you as you go for a walk. Allow time for your toddler to stop and examine things, but then remind them to join you and your spouse on your walk.
Remember that the best way for your child to be active is to have positive role models who inspire them. Make time for exercise and try and maintain an active lifestyle yourself. If your spouse or you play a sport, take your toddler to watch.