ABSTRACT
Children need to be taught skills to help them take part in sports as they get older and can be motivated to become more active by a combination of parental example and boosting their self-confidence. Some of the principles that apply to food choices can also be used to motivate a child to keep fit and active too. Children do not like being forced to do things, but like to do things that are considered fun by other people. They also enjoy doing things that make them feel special, so getting rewards and encouragement will help. Younger children are better suited to short bursts of exercise throughout the day, rather than one long and tiring session. Some kids will charge about from morning until night with little let-up, but most will prefer intermittent activity, with varied things to try. In recent decades there has been a change in how parents and carers supervise young children.
