Exercise is a vital part of keeping fit; it’s recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, and it’s the parents’ responsibility to make sure this happens. However, many parents simply aren’t aware of this, or aren’t in a position to facilitate it. Unfortunately, especially when it comes to children in care, the lack of parental guidance can leave them struggling to engage in physical exercise. Therefore, as a foster carer, you need to be a beacon of light and spark their motivation to get moving.
Be a Role Model
Children imitate the behaviours of the people that care for them, which means you have to lead by example. Therefore, you should make a point to insert daily exercise into your schedule, and ensure your foster children can see you do it. Then, include them in activities, like going on bike rides instead of using the car or walking.
Choose an Age-Appropriate Activity
Everyone develops at their own pace, but you need to use common sense when it comes to pairing up suitable activities with your foster children. For example, you can’t expect a four-year-old to join you on a three-mile run or vigorous weight-lifting regime. If you struggle to align activity and age properly, you can always get in touch with your fostering agency by visiting their website, like fosterplus.co.uk.
Make it Fun
There are countless different ways to exercise, and it’s your responsibility to find one that your foster child will enjoy. The best way to do this is by having a conversation with them and asking. However, because not every foster child is comfortable opening up and talking, it may best to just keep at it with trial-and-error.
Provide Movement Toys
A great way to encourage foster children is by providing them with toys that encourage movement, like bouncy balls, skipping ropes, and space hoppers. To help them favour active toys over sedentary pastimes, get involved in their games by heading out into the garden or visiting your local park.
Don’t Overdo It
There’s no denying the role that exercise has in staying fit, but everyone has their limits, and it certainly shouldn’t hurt. If your foster child is in pain because of exercise, it’s time to explore lighter alternatives. If your foster child’s pain persists, it’s important to take them in for a medical check-up; a doctor may be able to advise you on more suitable activities and ways to avoid injury in the future.
Limit Screen Time
Computers, game consoles, TVs, tablets, and smartphones are all fantastic ways for foster children to have fun and interact with the world. However, these devices need to be used sensibly and in moderation. Therefore, it’s important to set screen limits, which will free up time to focus on physical exercise.
Exercise is a vital part of a child’s development, and it’s your job as a foster carer to ensure those in your care are getting the recommended amount. The best way to do this is by leading by example and making exercise appear enjoyable.