Get kids moving

Children are increasingly spending more time watching television, surfing the internet and playing video games rather than biking to the playground, or kicking a ball in the park with their friends. Some schools have even cut back on physical education classes, while others have stopped them completely.

Keeping active is important to help keep your heart and body healthy. Regular exercise is also crucial for building strong bones and muscles, while also helping them sleep well at night and stay alert during the day.

An active child may become an active adult – so get involved and encourage an active, fun lifestyle for all the family. Remember, if you want active children, you have to be active yourself!

Make active living part of your children's daily routine:

• Get active early – it's never too early to get your children involved in sport. They could join the local football team, gymnastics or trampolining club.
• Variety is important – encourage your children to try different sports and activities. This will help them develop a range of skills, and find one or two they really enjoy.
• Instead of giving toys as gifts, why not choose something that will encourage activity, such as a football, rugby ball, bicycle or tennis racket.
• Introduce a regular family activity – this is something fun for everyone to do together such as cycling, swimming or kicking a football around your local park.
• Encourage your kids to sign up to dance classes, a really great way to keep active and have fun too.
• Or how about joining a local theatre group – treading the boards and helping out backstage are both good ways to keep busy and active.
• Walk to the shops or school instead of taking the car, or use the stairs instead of the lift.
• Make exercise fun – a treasure hunt in your local park or mini-sports days at home are a way to get the whole family involved – and best of all they're free!

Let your children explore Florahearts Omega 3 Under Sea – an exciting area where kids can play interactive games, and get ideas for both indoor and outdoor activities.