per day. Parents can use this as a guide and work
with children to identify activities that involve
more movement.”
In more recent years, opportunities to participate
in activity with other youth have been comparatively
limited. “Now it might take a little more push and
pull to drive kids to activities because we’ve become
more isolated,” affirms Gadow, particularly in light
of the COVID-19 pandemic. “You should help guide
them. Taste a variety of activities, and if a kid says,
‘I don’t like this,’ don’t be afraid to say, ‘OK, we’re
done,’ and move on to something else. It shouldn’t
feel like punishment.”
SERRNOVIK/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Meet on common ground
Consider tying activity to their interests. “I’ve had
teenagers who love to spend time on the phone
with friends, so we incorporate spending some of
this phone time walking or using the treadmill,”
says Boye. “For younger kids, it’s important to have
parents and caregivers involved in the activity to
engage children. We think of shooting baskets or
throwing a ball around, but we can also think of more
game-type activities (races, playing tag) that can be
done together.”
Some parents benefit from outside help with
encouraging kids to be active. “Youth fitness businesses
are becoming more common. Seek ones that prioritize
inside-out, holistic development of physical fitness,
mindset, character, leadership and
athleticism,” suggests Simpson.

“Find a mentor—only one in
four kids has one—someone
young enough to relate to,
but old and experienced
enough to impart wisdom
that is influential and that
they will act upon. When given
the tools, resources and
positive encouragement from
what they’ve been craving,
I’ve witnessed kids go
from incredibly fearful to
extraordinarily confident.”
When in doubt,
sweat it out
“Some people tell their kids,
‘I don’t care what activity
you are doing, but you
need to get outside for
30 minutes, and when
you get back you need to
be sweaty,’” says Gadow.

“Running around and just
being kids is beneficial.”
Every kid can have fun on
that team. P
The Jewish Federation’s Sara & Samuel J. Lessans
G od Deeds Week
April 3-10, 2022
Food insecurity is a critical issue across Greater Washington. Join The Jewish Federation
as we proudly bring together 60+ community partners and thousands of participants
across DC, MD, and Northern VA to help support individuals and families in need.

Together, we will fill the shelves of local food pantries, feed those
who are hungry, and make a difference all week long.

Find a volunteer project at shalomdc.org/GoodDeedsWeek
Federation's Good Deeds Week is made possible by Drs. Ellen &
Stuart Lessans, in loving memory of Sara & Samuel J. Lessans.

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