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Wellness Wednesday: Getting your non-sports kid active

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 18:22 GMT by KOB 4
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Keeping the Young Ones Moving: Practical Ways to Get “Non‑Sports” Kids Active

For parents and caregivers, one of the most frustrating questions is: “How can I get my child who doesn’t play sports to move more?” A new feature on KOB News—Wellness Wednesday: Getting Your Non‑Sports Kid Active—answers that call with a blend of research, real‑world advice, and a handful of fun ideas that make movement feel less like a chore and more like a lifestyle. Below is a distilled, 500‑plus‑word overview of the article’s key points, plus a few extra nuggets gleaned from the links it follows.

Why It Matters

The article opens by framing the problem: nearly 30 % of U.S. children aged 6‑12 do not meet the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate‑to‑vigorous activity each day. This shortfall isn’t just about weight; it’s linked to poorer mood, lower academic performance, and a higher likelihood of developing chronic conditions later in life. The piece quotes Dr. Sarah Martinez, a pediatrician who notes that “activity is a developmental drug”—it sharpens attention, builds social bonds, and boosts self‑esteem.

The “Non‑Sports” Misconception

Many parents mistakenly equate sports participation with all forms of physical activity. The article’s author, a community health coach, argues that kids who shy away from organized sports often enjoy unstructured play—jumping rope, bike‑riding in the park, or just dancing in their living rooms. Recognizing this difference is the first step: shift the focus from “sports” to “any movement that feels good.”

1. Make It a Family Affair

The KOB piece emphasizes that kids are more likely to engage in activity when parents model it. Some easy‑to‑implement suggestions include:

• Family Walks or Bike Rides: Pick a route you’ve never tried before. The novelty keeps it interesting.
• Sunday Park Outings: Bring a frisbee or a ball, and let the child decide how to use it.
• Dance‑Party Nights: Turn up the music and have a themed dance night—“80s Night” or “Dance‑Like‑You’re‑In‑A‑Movie.”

These activities reinforce bonding while ensuring the child meets their daily movement goal.

2. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Progress

The article encourages parents to use “tiny victories” to keep motivation high. Instead of “run a mile,” the suggestion is “let’s jog for 10 minutes.” Tools such as a sticker chart or a phone app can track progress. The article links to the StepIt app (official website) that provides customizable workout plans and tracks steps in real time—great for children who enjoy seeing their data.

3. Leverage “Active Video Games”

For families worried about screen time, the piece offers a middle ground: active video games like Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, or Nintendo Switch’s Mario Kart Arcade Edition. These games require the player to move their body, translating digital play into physical exertion. The article cites a 2021 study from the Journal of Physical Activity & Health that found kids who played active video games had 15 % more moderate activity per day than those who played purely sedentary games.

4. Reduce Screen Time Strategically

The article follows a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen‑time guidelines, which recommend no more than 1 hour of recreational screen time for children 2–5 years old and no more than 2 hours for 6–18-year-olds. It suggests a “screen curfew” at least 30 minutes before bedtime and encourages replacing “idle scrolling” with “active scrolling”—e.g., following a fitness TikTok or a short YouTube workout for kids.

5. Find the “Hidden” Sport

Many children are naturally inclined toward activities that they may not label as “sports.” These include:

• Martial Arts: Disciplined yet fun, and great for self‑confidence.
• Dance Classes: From hip‑hop to ballet—kids often love the creative element.
• Swimming: Low impact, full‑body workout that is also a life‑skill.

The article lists local community centers that offer free or low‑cost introductory classes. It includes a link to the City of Albuquerque’s Recreation Department, which has a quarterly “Try It Out” schedule.

6. Encourage Peer Play

Social context matters. The article suggests arranging “buddy walks” with classmates or organizing a “buddy soccer”—a game where kids can pair up and rotate partners. The piece follows a link to a research paper in Pediatrics that shows kids who play with peers for at least 30 minutes a day have better gross‑motor skills.

7. Keep It Safe and Fun

Safety concerns can deter parents. The article includes practical safety tips:

• Wear Proper Gear: Helmets for bikes or skateboards, knee pads for any rough play.
• Know Your Limits: Gradual progression in intensity prevents injuries.
• Hydrate: Keep water on hand, especially during outdoor play.

8. Celebrate All Effort

A recurring theme in the article is that parents should celebrate effort over achievement. Praising the child for trying a new activity, for showing up, or for improving a small skill fosters intrinsic motivation. The article includes an infographic from the National Association of School Psychologists on how praise can be structured to support autonomy and competence.

Quick‑Start Checklist

1. Schedule a “Move Day” each week.
2. Create a movement chart (stickers or app).
3. Pick one “active game” to try each month.
4. Limit screen time to 1–2 hours daily.
5. Enroll in one new activity (dance, martial arts, swimming) by the end of the quarter.
6. Celebrate progress with a small reward (extra screen time, a new book, a family outing).

Final Thought

The article’s takeaway is simple yet powerful: it’s not about pushing kids into organized sports—they may never see themselves as a “team player.” It’s about embedding movement into everyday life in ways that feel natural, enjoyable, and rewarding. Whether that means a backyard obstacle course, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or a playful dance battle, every step counts toward a healthier, happier child.

By following the strategies outlined in Wellness Wednesday, parents can transform the idea of “exercise” from a dreaded chore into a shared, joyous experience that builds confidence, skill, and lifelong habits.