Last Updated - April 30, 2024
Healthier Families is an excellent source of easy and fun methods to help children and families make healthy choices and be more active.
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Kids need to be physically active for 60 minutes a day, with 30 minutes of that activity taking place outside of school.
From our fun 10 Minute Shake Up games to information about active hobbies and sports, here’s everything you need to get your family moving!
Exercise is important for children to keep them happy and healthy. There are plenty of fun ways to keep the whole family active.
Take Healthier Families quiz to find out what sports and activities you should try. Plus, get a personalised Shake Up game recommendation inspired by some of your favourite Disney characters!
Exercise doesn’t just have to be about getting your child to go swimming or running. Think about which activities your child enjoys more. Are there any day to day activities that you could turn into a fun form of exercise (that gets your heart rate up for 10 minutes or more at a time) for everyone to enjoy together?
It’s important to let children try different things so they can find something they like. Try and understand which forms of exercise they enjoy. Encourage them to continue with these and look for further opportunities to develop their interest like joining a local team or an after school club. All forms of exercise and sport are great for a child. You should celebrate any progress or developments they make.
Need some ideas about which sports your child might like? The NHS Healthier Families website has more ideas and information about ways to try new sports or activities.
Doing sport is not only healthy for the body, it can have a great impact on confidence and well being. Above all it can be a lot of fun! It is important to support your child in trying out different sports and be encouraging whenever they start playing. Try and promote the feel good factor as much as possible.
PE sessions will offer different sport types so listen to what your child has done each session and what they have particularly enjoyed. You can see if they would like to continue some of their favourite sports outside of school or you can find out if your school offers after school activities.
Are you focused on getting your child to school as quickly as possible, for example by car? The walk to and from school is a simple form of exercise which can help your child (and you!) reach your 60 minutes of activity a day. Walking is a great form of exercise.
Try and engage with other families in your neighbourhood and find out what activities they do. This could be a useful way to gain ideas whilst giving your children opportunities to make friends and partake in shared activities. Local authority websites have parks and free activities that are available.