While they certainly can be convenient learning tools, it’s easy for today’s technological devices to promote a sedentary lifestyle. A lack of physical activity is especially harmful to your little ones. To prevent your son or daughter from falling into the routine of inactivity, take the following child development tips in stride.

How to Get Your Kid to Be More Active

1. Provide Active Toys

If all your child’s toys revolve around staying inside and sitting down, this creates a bad habit for them. Instead of video games and board games, treat them to active toys like jump ropes, bouncy balls, and Hacky Sacks®. You can also invest in games that get the whole family up and moving, from Twister to charades.

2. Set an Example

Most of the tasks your child learns—from brushing teeth to drinking water—they learn from watching you. Therefore, make exercise a visible part of your daily life. Instead of waiting until the kids are napping to pop in that aerobics video or head to the gym, invite them to learn some yoga moves alongside you, or have them count how many pushups or crunches you can complete. Pretty soon, they’ll want to take part themselves.

3. Set Boundaries

While active play is crucial, sometimes a storm forces the kids to play a video game or keep busy with a board game indoors. It’s OK to let your children enjoy these pastimes, but remember to set boundaries for them. Your children may not appreciate the structure of being told when to log off or clean up, but they’ll soon realize that screen time is more of a privilege than a necessity.

If you’re interested in learning more about positive child development, contact Great Beginnings of St. Charles and Cottleville, MO. This child care center offers a wide range of programs to enhance your little one’s formative years, from day care and after-school programs to summer camps. To learn more about the emphasis they place on the parent-teacher relationship, visit the website. Call (636) 724-5048 to enroll your child at the St. Charles center, or call (636) 447-4212 to reach the Cottleville location.