Sometimes adults get frustrated because children will not jump into new activities and situations, but if you think about it, adults generally avoid new activities and situations and are risk averse. 

Modeling risk taking by openly trying new, possibly embarrassing things, can be incredibly powerful for your children to see - and can lead to lots of positive conversation. It could be jumping into a sport your child is playing, singing, playing one of their favorite video games, or any new activity that seems relevant and interesting to your child. Try it, you might like it. ;)

All of your children may be involved in daily sports activities, but for many families, for many reasons, this is not the case. There are many ways to make this happen. For example, you can create a “30 minute rule” that applies to both screens and homework. Once you have been sitting and watching or sitting and working for 30 minutes you have to break for an exercise routine. This could include jumping jacks, pushups, and situps (or alternate core activities) or it might be something like 5-10 minutes of yoga or jump rope.

Another way to get daily movement is to include it early (before it gets dark) and then schedule time for more sedentary activities later. Go for a walk before dinner if you can! Many children now associate physical activity with organized sports. While organized sports have a lot to offer, opting out should not mean opting out of daily physical movement. Support your children by talking with them to find out their exercise interests, but hold the line on requiring daily exercise. Healthy body. Healthy mind. Healthy life.