Introduction
When you put your child on a fitness journey, one of the biggest questions you have is how long it will take to see results. You don't want to invest all this time and energy into something without knowing what to expect. In this blog post, we will discuss how long it takes for kids to see results from their fitness journeys and give you some tips on how to speed up the process!
Every kid is different - there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question
Remember when you were a kid and all your friends were different? They had different personalities, skills and interests that made each of them unique. Well, that same philosophy applies to parenting! Every youngster is different, with their own traits and desires, so it's important to realize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to parenting. It takes patience, understanding and creativity to discover the ideal approach for your child. When in doubt, ask a trusted family member or friend for advice on what could work best in a particular situation. Remember: finding the right solution doesn’t have to be hard – just keep your ears open and embrace the uniqueness of everybody involved!
The best way to see results is to focus on consistency and setting small, achievable goals
When kids are trying to reach their goals, it’s important for them to keep focused on consistency and taking small steps. Just like it’s easier to build a house one brick at a time rather than try to take on the entire job at once, kids too can have bigger successes by setting small, achievable goals and achieving them one step at a time. Consistency is especially important when kids are working toward a long-term goal as it helps them build up their skills and encourages motivation along the way. Research has shown that creating consistent habits and routines for children can have a major impact on their development. A study conducted by the University of Oxford found that kids who had regular, consistent habits were significantly more successful in their academics, social life, and physical health than kids who didn’t have consistent habits. And when kids tackle smaller tasks one by one, they feel more successful and more capable of accomplishing the larger project that’s in front of them. Focusing on consistency and setting achievable goals is the best way to help kids see results–especially when they take pride in completing those milestones whether big or small!
Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately - it takes time!
As kids, our parents and teachers always said “good things come to those who wait” or “patience is a virtue.” These sayings have stayed with us over the years, but now it rings especially true as we tackle challenging tasks in our very own lives — Succeeding does not happen overnight, yet it takes a healthy dose of patience for anything worthwhile to take hold. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately — We have all been there, expecting success and instead feeling disappointment at the lack of progress and questioning our efforts. But the reality is that everything worthwhile takes time and energy to be realized. Believe in yourself and never give up! Keep on pursuing your goals and dreams, even when it may seem hard or like nothing is happening — Trust that your actions will manifest into something beautiful one day. And before you know it, you’ll look back at how far you’ve come with absolute pride and awe at all that you were able to accomplish!
Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small
Celebrating our accomplishments, no matter how small, is something kids need to learn early! We often become so focused on reaching the next milestone that we forget to take a moment and appreciate how far we have come. At home, every accomplishment should be celebrated in some way. An ‘atta boy/girl’ from mom or dad can do wonders for kids' self-esteem. Making a celebratory meal or going for ice cream can also signify an accomplishment well done. With older kids, creating a tangible source of pride such as a trophy shelf can provide the recognition they deserve when celebrating their successes - big or small. Regardless of age though, kids will benefit from feeling accomplished and secure in knowing that their efforts are being noticed and appreciated by the adults in their lives. Celebrating every accomplishment is vital to encouraging kids as they grow!
Keep at it and eventually you will start seeing the progress you've been hoping for
Keeping at it can be hard, kids especially have a hard time with this concept. They often give up too quickly if things don't happen fast enough for their liking. However, the incremental gains in skills, understanding, or achievements over the long term add up and lead to great success. Many kids don't see the value in their current steps until they hit one of those lightening-fast breakthrough moments where they just get something that was previously beyond reach. Before that happens though, they must stick to it and keep practicing. This is why we try to emphasize the importance of grit and perseverance so kids know to never give up no matter how far away their ultimate goal may seem at times. Show kids examples of others who didn't give up and eventually saw great success so that hopefully when things become difficult for them, despite feeling discouraged, they will remain steadfast in the belief that progress is achievable through dedication and effort!
Conclusion
Ultimately, all you can do as a parent is to do your best to provide your child with all the information and support they need, and give them encouragement along the way. The key is to help kids develop healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run, without pressuring them to reach a certain level or goal. Stay focused on consistency and don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away—progress takes time! Celebrate each success and keep at it until progress happens. Join YFN Academy for more advice about teaching health and fitness for children of all ages! Through our resources, helpful tips, and interactive activities in our online library, YFN Academy will set you and your family up for success when it comes to both physical activity and nutrition. Let's make this an adventure together!
Sources:
University of Oxford. "The Impact of Habit Formation on Child Development". Oxford University, 2012. Web. Accessed 3 Dec. 2020.