Young children love to be active! The earlier you encourage active play, the more likely they will create strong healthy habits that they can carry into adulthood.

Speak positively about physical activity and be a role model for healthy behaviours. Research has shown that if parents are physically active, there is a higher chance that their child will also be physically active. 

Children don’t always do as you say, but they often follow what you do.

When selecting equipment or toys for your child, select items that encourage movement. This could include equipment such as balls, skipping ropes, hula hoops, or frisbees.

Make equipment easily accessible to children to encourage movement. When equipment is readily available, children are more likely to use the equipment and be active.

For indoor activities:

• have equipment visible, such as soft balls and buckets inside for throwing games
• have a speaker ready in the lounge room for a dance party
• remove chairs around craft or activity tables to encourage movement and reduce sedentary time.

For outdoor activities:

• have a box of equipment near the front door such as cricket bats, soccer balls
• dress your child in running shoes (or have them visible for older children) to encourage activity.

Enrol your child in an organised sport or an activity that they enjoy, such as soccer, basketball, or dance. This can help them stay active, develop new and make new friends. 

If one child is already enrolled in organised sport and you’re unsure how to pass the time with your other child, plan family activities that involve movement.

See Organised sport for more information.

Planning active family time is a great way to spend quality time with your child whilst also increasing physical activity. You can consider activities such as:

• going on a walk to the playground
• playing a game of soccer or frisbee in the park or backyard
• going for a bike ride
• dancing to your favourite music.

When going out and about you can consider:

• taking public transport to encourage extra steps to and from bus stops or stations
• parking further away from your destination and walking to add some extra steps in
• bringing active toys or equipment with you.

Offer children some choice in their physical activity. This allows them to feel like they have a sense of control, which can increase their motivation and engagement. When children choose how they get active, they are more likely to enjoy and want to continue participate.

Follow your child’s lead. If your child wants to play hide and seek out the back and then it turns into knights chasing dragons, let their imagination run wild. Sometimes, children need a bit of wiggle room for some creative freedom.

Movement can come in any form. Children will likely seek out games and movement if they are entertaining and engaging.

Get creative with movement opportunities and tailor games or activities to children’s interests to increase engagement. 

Never use physical activity as a punishment. Movement is an opportunity for children to grow. By making it into a consequence of unwanted behaviour, there is a risk of developing an unhealthy relationship with physical activity in children