By Wendy Lynne, www.mentaltoughnesstrainer.com

Wendy Lynne is the Director of Mental Toughness Academy. The Academy’s online Mental Toughness Training helps kids build confidence, focus, determination, and the ability to bounce back from adversity—what they call Mental Toughness. Go here to get the free eBook, The 10 Commandments to Being a Great Sports Parent, and a free training for youth athletes in training, “Master the Pressure.”

One of the best ways to positively influence kids is to share something that interests or excites you. I am always telling my niece and nephew about something interesting or new I learned, about an article I read or about how something worked for me. I figure they might be more willing to listen to an aunt than a parent when it comes to tackling something new, if I am excited about it.

We all know most kids hate to stretch and some even hate exercising, but it is so important for injury prevention, long-term flexibility, and of course, a healthy body.

I wanted to share with you how I was able to encourage my nephews to incorporate stretching and exercise into their daily lives.

During our last phone conversation, I told them how important staying in shape was to me and shared what I learned about motivation to get myself to the gym and to stretch daily.

Take Steps to Stay Motivated

I told them how I learned that one of the best ways to stick to your goals and keep yourself motivated is to make it as easy as possible to accomplish.

I asked if they noticed how when they are looking for a snack, they go for what is easy to grab or in the front of the refrigerator. I explained how there are psychological studies that show if you make something convenient and “in your face,” it makes it more likely that you will do something. Then I asked for examples, where they might have found this true in their own lives.

Stay Active While Doing Everyday Tasks

I shared how I bought myself a rubber disc that I could stand on that stretched my ankles and calves, while I watched TV or talked on the phone. They asked if I was doing it right then! I was and we had a huge laugh over it.

So to help them also incorporate exercise into their daily lives, I offered to buy them a chin up bar for the doorway of their room. This way they could do a few chin ups every time they left their room or just hang from it to stretch their backs and arms.

Stay Engaged and Have Fun

So my advice to help you connect with your niece or nephew is to make sure you are passionate and excited when you talk to them. Ask them what they think about the topic, so you keep them engaged. Make sure and laugh at yourself and keep your conversations fun and light. Then, you can slip in some good healthy advice.

Last I heard from my nephews, they are competing with friends to see who can do the most chin ups!

Photo: olovedog
Published: March 19, 2013