The Do’s and Don’ts of Exercise for Children

It’s important to raise active kids who move their bodies every day, but it’s also important to make physical activity fun—not a chore to be endured, says David Walsh, Ph.D., author of Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help Kids Grow Brighter, Healthier, and Happier.

DO

• Make sure your child plays and exercises every day.

• Talk to your child about the connection between moving muscles and building brains.

• Encourage a variety of movement to build strength, endurance, and flexibility.

• Get started with family exercise time.

• Have fun.

• Give your child household jobs that work muscles.

• Check the amount of exercise or playtime your child gets at school and in after-school programs.

• Encourage your kids to dance to music.

• Try wearing a pedometer to increase steps each day.

• Make sure sedentary activity is balanced with exercise and movement.

• Try video games that make your child move.

• Turn electronic screens off when the weather turns warmer.

• Connect your child with the outdoors.

DON’T

• Don’t make exercise a workout chore.

• Don’t force a child to join a sports team.

• Don’t let screen time crowd out exercise and playtime.

• Don’t let your child get out of shape.

• Don’t stress your child by expecting physical performance beyond their ability or age.