Want Them to Be More Active? Stop the Guilt Trips
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By: Katie Harrison
If you’re trying your hardest to get your middle school age nieces and nephews to go outside and pick up that basketball or even take walk around the neighborhood, your best bet is to stop trying to guilt them into it. A new study conducted by authors at the University of Georgia shows that young children aren’t as excited to exercise if they feel pressured to do so, or if they aren’t able to choose their own workout choices.
Rod Dishman, lead author of the study said, “Just like there are kids who are drawn to music and to art, there are kids who are drawn to physical activity. But what you want is to draw those kids who otherwise might not be drawn to activity.” The study suggests that adults should not make children feel guilty if they are not physically active. That can easily turn the children off to the idea of exercise, and make them feel self-conscious.
To help solve the issue, Dishman offers: “The best thing is to do it because it’s fun. It’s the kids who say they are intrinsically motivated who are more active than kids who aren’t.” So, instead of pressuring young children into exercising, why not participate with them? How about a family game of touch football? Or, take a nice hike to find the prettiest fall leaves. And if the weather isn’t helping, go to the gym together as simply a way to spend time with their favorite aunt. Of course, letting them choose the activity is even better. This sounds a lot more like fun than guilt!
Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd
Published: September 29, 2015