Summer is the perfect time for movement, games and adventure. Nevertheless, the reality is often different - children spend hours with a mobile phone, at the computer or in front of the TV. The digital world is inviting, convenient and accessible. It's all the more important to show children that movement can be just as fun – and often even more so.

health
Holidays in motion: How to motivate children to exchange their mobile phones for experiences

Good news? A few simple tricks are enough to make exercise a natural part of the holidays.

Why movement is so important for children

Little girl jumping rope

Movement is not just about "burning off energy". It is key to a child's healthy development:

  • supports muscle and bone growth,
  • improves fitness and immunity,
  • positively affects mood and reduces stress,
  • helps children concentrate better,
  • develops social skills and cooperation.

Children who exercise regularly often have more energy, a better mood and more self-confidence.

Simply put: movement is the basis of a healthy and happy childhood.

7 tips to get children moving

Children playing jumping jack

It doesn't have to be an organized sport. Simple and fun activities are enough.

1. Make movement a game

Chasing, hide and seek or an obstacle course - children won't even notice that they are "playing sports".

2. Outdoor Olympics

Invent small disciplines:

  • time trial,
  • long jump,
  • ball throw.

Simple, fun and competitive.

3. Family trips by bike or on foot

Connect movement with time together. The destination doesn't have to be far away - what matters is the experience.

4. Ball games

Football, dodgeball or frisbee - minimum rules, maximum fun.

5. Dance challenge at home

Turn on the music and let the kids create their own choreography.

6. Games with friends

Movement is always more fun in a group. Children naturally motivate each other.

7. Mini adventure

Invent a "mission":

  • find treasure in the park,
  • go through the route according to the map,
  • complete tasks in the field.

Movement + play + fantasy = ideal combination.

How to motivate children (without pressure)

Young people exercise and have fun together

The key is not pressure, but the right motivation. It works best:

  • Be an example - children imitate their parents.
  • Praise effort, not performance.
  • Let the child choose an activity.
  • Introduce small challenges (eg “10,000 steps a day”).
  • Rewards work - like ice cream or a joint program.

Important: movement should be a joy, not an obligation.

What do you need to pack? Simple equipment

Children playing ball and training together

You don't have to invest in expensive sports equipment.

Foundation:

  • comfortable sneakers,
  • light sports clothes,
  • backpack with water,
  • cap against the sun.

Bonus:

  • ball,
  • skip rope,
  • frisbee or scooter.

The simpler, the greater the chance that children will start right away.

Get your summer moving in Shopland

Do you want to show children that movement can really be fun?

Visit the event "Move!" in Shopland, where children and young people can try various physical activities, games and challenges.

They can look forward to:

  • sports station,
  • fun activities for children,
  • inspiration on how to spend the summer actively.

An ideal opportunity to motivate children naturally - through play.

A small tip at the end

You don't have to force children to play sports. Just show them that movement can be fun.

When they associate it with laughter, friends and experiences, they return to it themselves.