How active are your children? Did you know that only 10% of under-five year olds are meeting NHS guidelines for daily activity?
The NHS recommend that children are active for at least three hours per day to encourage physical and mental health and wellbeing, which is why we’ve put together our top suggestions to help get your children up and active each and every day, even in winter.
- Take a walk – since activity is best spread in sporadic bursts throughout the day, a short walk around your local area is a great form of exercise. It’s also a good way of warming the blood on a cold day – just be sure to wrap up warm.
- Play an active game – instead of reading a story, watching television or playing an electronic game, try acting out stories or playing dress up for a fun way to reimagine your child’s favourite tales.
- Have a snowball fight – take advantage of the winter weather by engaging in a snowball fight, building a snowman or simply splashing around in puddles – with wellingtons on of course!
- Go on a bike ride – riding a bicycle is the perfect way to burn energy, improve coordination and enjoy the scenery and with young children, it’s a great way to teach them a new skill.
- Trip to the park – take a stroll to your local park so that your child can socialise and exercise.
- Visit a soft play/activity centre – soft play centres or activity centres, for older children, are great alternatives in bad weather.
- Have a dance party – if you can’t get out of the house, turn up the music and have a boogie. You’ll warm the blood and have fun!
What are you waiting for? Get active and have fun!