We love to see our kids running and playing outside, chasing each other about in a game of tag, pushing one another on the swing, or clambering up and sliding down the playground climbing frame. Most children will jump at the chance to participate in physical activities, whether they’re using playground equipment or having a game of football, and we encourage them because we know these physical activities to be good for so many reasons.

Through stretching, climbing, pulling, pushing, leaping, running and more, children enhance their large muscle development and hand-eye coordination, whilst keeping healthy and fit.

But occasionally a child will struggle and even refuse to engage in any and all physical activity, missing out on these vital benefits.

In order to go about encouraging our children to engage in physical activity, it’s important to first understand why they may be avoiding it.

Why do some children avoid physical activity?

The avoidance of physical play is usually based at least to some extent on fear. Perhaps the child has had very little experience with big, strange-looking playground equipment, or they don’t often get to play with other children. It could be that they had an accident during some such activity, leading to a fear of heights or even other children.

So, instead of joining their peers during active play, they sit alone, and we feel a great need to go and entertain them. The trouble is, the attention we give them only encourages and reinforces their solitary, inactive play.

But we want our kids to get plenty of exercise and to join their friends in fun, active play, so how do we go about encouraging our children to participate in physical activities?

How do I encourage my child to engage in physical activity?

The first step in encouraging your little one to engage in more physical activities, is to talk and discuss with them why they show a reluctance to participate. If their reasons are based on fear, it’s important that you do your best to help them overcome it.

But how do we do this?

Positive reinforcement of physical activity

If a child is fearful of physical play, examine the language that surrounds these activities. Fear and nerves will often manifest in negative language, such as, “I can’t do it . . . I’m not good enough.” If this is the case, it is crucial that both our children and us turn this language around. Instead, offer plenty of praise when they take steps towards physical activity, no matter how small those steps may be. You might even encourage them to come up with a positive and inspiring mantra to remind them to keep on going and trying as best they can. For example, they might tell themselves “I am strong. I am brave.” We can also teach our kids to exercise slow breathing to calm and relax them when they’re feeling scared or anxious.

Remember too that physical activities can quickly become competitive, which is certainly a daunting prospect for some. If it’s this side of sport that your little one shies away from, look for activities that discourage competitiveness. This might include a game of catch or playing on the equipment at the playground. Nor must physical play involve other children. You might practise playing with a football in the garden, working with them until they feel confident enough to play with others.

Ignore non-participation

If you feel that your child is reluctant to engage in this type of play only so as to get the attention of a nearby adult, you must do your best to ignore this behaviour. If you’re at the playground or a birthday party, full of games and plenty of running about, and your child chooses to sit out, give them as little attention as possible. Eventually, they will learn that constant inactive and solitary play does not equal attention. However, this is not to say that solitary or inactive play is bad. We love to see our kids practise independence, and sit calmly as they read and draw, exercising their brains and artistry, but it is all about balance. For our bodies to remain happy and healthy, they need regular exercise as well as plenty of relaxation.

Given that a child’s avoidance of physical activity might have nothing to do with attention, be sure to have a good idea of their thoughts and feelings before implementing any strategies. Withdrawing attention for a child who merely fears physical play will do nothing for them and may do more harm than good. And even the child who seeks attention will also need encouragement through positive reinforcement.

What should I do when my child avoids physical activity?

Help your child get moving with Unii’s tips.