6th October 2008
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Top ten tips to keep youngsters active this summer
Friday, 25 July 2008
With the Government target for all young people to be offered at least five hours of sport each week by 2012, physical activity is on the increase.
Active kids are likely to grow into active adults, however, the Youth Sport Trust know that not all children enjoy traditional sporting activity so we’ve compiled ten top tips for parents to help keep their children active this summer.
- Park play – an afternoon in the park making use of play equipment is a free and easy way to get kids running and climbing. Take your own ball or frisbee too.
- Indoor play – if you’re stuck indoors, roll a few socks together and clear a space to play sock footie or play make believe dance or exercise class.
- Swimming – children’s pools often have summer sessions with inflatables and floats provided, giving children lots to swim and play with.
- Soft play – many leisure centres will have soft play facilities for children, where your children can play around in ball pools and exhaust themselves tearing round in a safe environment.
- Competitions – everyday challenges to see who can do the most skips or hops, leap the furthest or get up the stairs quickest gets everyone moving.
- Play schemes – schools, play groups and local authorities often run summer sports schemes, covering a whole host of sports like football, tennis and athletics.
- The right ‘sport’ – it’s not all about footballs, racquets and running. If your child isn’t into traditional sports, try dance, martial arts or walking a treasure hunt.
- Friends – two or more children in the garden are usually more active than one. Give your child someone to play tag with by inviting their friends round.
- Bikes – go on a bike ride picnic or tour a local park. Challenge your children to bike ‘time trials’ over a route. Play groups often have trikes that younger children can use.
- Fun – make sure you and your children are enjoying yourselves. The easiest way to get kids active and into sports is to find something they like and make it fun.