• 1
    Support their choice of activities

    As long as they're enjoying it, go with the flow

  • 2
    Try new activities together

    Finding a form of exercise you both like can be a great way to spend more quality time together

  • 3
    Make it social

    Doing a sport or fitness class with friends means your child will gain just as much socially, as physically. Usually, exercising with friends is more fun, which makes us more likely to stick at it

  • 4
    Explain that exercise makes us stronger in many ways

    If your child has a strong interest in a particular sport or athlete, talk about their strengths. Professional athletes have mental strength, self-discipline, determination and leadership skills, as well as being at the peak of physical fitness for their sport

  • 5
    Keep your child focused on how they feel, not how they look

    Aspiring to a ‘media perfect’ or elite athlete’s body is neither realistic, nor helpful. If your child starts criticising their body, remind them that the aim is to stay healthy, and for their body to do the job they're asking it to do

                
                
                

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