If you would like to raise happy and healthy kids, you will need to make sure that you take a leading role when it comes to getting them introduced to various sports and making them interested in activities. Today, families and parents face an increased challenge, as most children are hooked on their screens, and are not able to walk too long, due to getting the school bus or being driven to and from school. It is your responsibility to get your kids to love sports and get engaged in physical activities. Below you will find a few exercises they can start from a very early age.

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Walking

Walking is a low-impact activity, and you should encourage your kids to do it more often. You can drop them off at a safe place before you get to the school and let them walk a few minutes every morning. It will help them become more streetwise, and get some fresh air, start up their digestion and circulation. You will also save a few minutes queueing in traffic. Arrange family trips on the weekend and don’t rely on the buggy longer that it is justified.

Climbing

We all know that kids love climbing on things, and you can get them interested in rock climbing or wall climbing from an early age in a safe indoor environment. They can improve their strength, their balance, and get a sense of achievement every time they tackle a new wall. Make sure that the instructors at the indoor climbing center are qualified, and they have adequate safety training and equipment.

Swimming

Swimming is another great activity that will help your child improve their posture while growing, build strength and stamina, and have some fun in the water. As most children love water-filled fun, you will just have to make sure that they become confident swimmers at an early age by teaching them yourself or getting them on a course. You might also save money long term if you invest in a swim in place pool at home, so you don’t have to pay membership fees and take them out every time.  

Cycling

As soon as your toddler gets a new bike, you should give them the opportunity to practice their skills and balance. You can take family cycling trips on the weekends, taking into consideration their speed and limitations. Once you are confident that they are safe on the road, try to follow them around a few times, and you will be able to see where they need improvements. If there are cycling roads in your area, you might even get them to bike to school and back, saving you time  and fuel, while keeping them active.

Tennis

If you follow tennis, it is easy to get your kids involved in the sport by watching matches and the best players on TV regularly. This is a good way of getting them interested and give it a go. There are plenty of tennis clubs offering taster sessions for kids, and this is a good way of finding out whether or not they will be interested in the sport or if they have a special talent hitting the ball with the racket.

Football

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Football doesn’t need to be introduced to kids. They are naturally drawn to it, as it is a popular sport and represents the adult world for them. You can get them interested and try out in the local team, even when they are only toddlers. They can pick up new skills, make new friends, learn discipline and rules, while exercising and getting some fresh air regularly. Football is one of the most popular sports among kids, and can build stamina and team spirit as well.

Archery

It is also a good idea to teach them some traditional sports that will make them feel special and connected with traditions. There are several types of archery lessons offered for kids, and they teach them much more than hitting the target. They will learn how to control their breathing, hold the right posture, focus on the task ahead, and clear their mind. There are plenty of discipline benefits of learning archery.

Martial Arts

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Another great way of looking after your child’s physical and mental wellbeing from an early age is getting them hooked on martial arts. No matter if you choose Tai Chi, a non-fighting method, or Karate, you can expect the instructors to create a personal relationship with your child and teach them important self-discipline lessons that will come handy later in life. You can make them better and more ethical people if you introduce them to these ancient arts of movement as soon as possible.

Dance

In case you have a girl, you might not want them to play basketball or rough sports. An alternative can be dancing which will improve their posture and confidence, and help them express their emotions. There are various toddler groups suitable for little ones who love moving to the music. Your child can make new friends in the group, and later on might choose a career related to performing arts. Even if they give up dancing after a few years, they will enjoy the benefits for  many years to come.

Jogging

If you don’t want to commit to a regular coaching or training schedule, but would like to help your growing child deal with their emotional issues and improve their health and well-being, you can introduce them to jogging as soon as they can run. You can take them with you until they are big enough to look after themselves. Maybe you want to follow them around on the bike, so they feel supported and safe. Jogging can get them into cross country races, and you might even sign up for a local 5K together at the next family event.

As a parent, you want your kids to be happy and healthy. Try to introduce an active lifestyle as soon as possible, and you will improve your health and well-being at the same time and survive the teenage years easier.

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