But there are many simple activities you can do with your child to get them up and active. Fun games and activities that may take only a few minutes at a time, but that contribute to the days exercise total. Many parents just let their kids run around or take them to a playground and sit and watch them. There is no problem with that, it's fine, but there are also times the parent needs to get involved in the activities, to help show leadership and support.
They are designed for children aged 2-6 and can be done anywhere and by anybody. The duration of these activities should be no longer than 6-7 minutes (make sure you take breaks, and keep the kids well-hydrated). Don't stress scores or competition; just keep it fun and simple with as few rules as possible.
Put on your child's favourite CD and turn it up: Upbeat, rhythmic music is the best for movement based activities (some good resources for music activities are upbeat books, email me at craig@getkidsactive.com for more information).
Encourage your child to move to the beat, and then stop the music occasionally, just like "musical chairs." Except, when the music stops, pose these questions to your child, and then let him or her answer by using body language as you continue the music.
e.g. "How would you walk around if it was a sunny day?"
Let them act this out for about 15 seconds to the music, then stop the music again, to ask…
How would you walk around if it was a rainy day?
How would you move around if you were sad… if you were happy?
How would you move around if you were mad… if you were surprised?
Worm in the Grass
One person holds a jump rope, the other is the chaser. The child holding the jumping rope must jog around while wiggling the rope as if it was a worm wriggling through the grass. The second person must chase the 'worm' until they catch it. Then, reverse roles. The objective of the game you ask? It's simple - fun and fun!
Zoo Fantastic
With your child, find pictures of animals that you might find at the zoo; elephants, monkeys, tigers, kangaroos… snakes! Print or cut them out. Then put them in a paper bag or container. Now ask your child to choose an animal (no peeking!) and act out the animal's movements for 15-20 seconds. Work your way through the zoo, rumbling, hopping, jumping, slithering (The kid's will love it and will love it even more if you join in with them). Trying to imitate the animals will teach your child about various types of movement. Remember: Roaring, growling, hissing and hooting is encouraged! All these skills are essential for your child before they start school. They need to have basic understanding of all fundamentals of activity before they start school. Activities such as these will be used to encourage children to move and be active at school.
Brilliant Bubbles
As the name of this activity suggests, this fun, creative activity involves bubbles, made by either blowing through the little elastic wand found in a store-bought-jar, or through a wand made out of wire.
The game has four parts to it:
1) The first objective is to see how many bubbles the child can burst before they touch the ground. (You blow them and they go running off after them).
2) Now ask your child to see how many bubbles they can catch before they hit the ground.
3) On the third round, get them to burst the bubbles again, but this time without using their hands. Instead, they have to use their nose, their forehead, elbow, legs or bottom (they will giggle and find this part hilarious).
4) Finally, using a normal bath towel, get your child to hold onto one end and you the other. Together, try to catch as many bubbles as possible. Listed below are a few fun games to play with your kids. The entire activity should take about 8-10 minutes, including the stops in the music and it is a fun, meaningful way to get kids moving. Now…try walking like a monkey…an elephant…now a dog! Let's sit down and make yourself as small as you can…Now, get as tall as you can.
Brilliant Bubbles promotes movement, body awareness as well as tracking skills which is the visual and coordination skills used in many sports and activities (taught and used a lot in primary schools). These activities can begin a lifetime of great memories and good, healthy habits for your child.
Visit the GetKidsActive Shop for some great Christmas Presents that your children will love and it will get them active and moving at the same time!
Activity toys to get your kids off the couch
Children's wish lists at Christmas times and for their birthdays are generally full of computer games, videos, DVDs, and other non-active things. All of these activities are helping to make physical activity fall to the side. Children have no reason to get up and be active because they have got everything they need right there in front of them (that's the way they see it anyway).
There are plenty of fun games and activities which can make your child's playtime double as their exercise time. Anything that gets children moving and lets them use their large muscle groups is fantastic.
