10-12 years
Now that your child is getting older, can you keep up?
Of course you can, and we've come up with some great ideas that will keep you involved and motivated, and help you to become the best Push Play Parent in town. After all, any activity is good activity, for them and for you!
Activity ideas
- Buying presents for your child is sometimes tricky, but gifts like a hacky sac, tennis racquet, boogie board and skates will get them out and about, last longer than the latest video game, and you can play with them too! Check out a local sports store for more ideas.
- Neighbourhood Watch takes on a whole new meaning when you challenge the local kids to a game or three. Hold time trials for a bike-athon, hours will pass during a treasure hunt, and check out the smiles on their dials as they compete in an egg throwing competition.
- Going for a run, a swim or a bike ride? Make it a family affair. Take the kids, the dogs, and the grandparents - just leave the kitchen sink behind!
- Back to school - for you! Get involved with the Parent Teacher Association or simply support the school by running lunchtime or after school game sessions, managing or coaching a sports team, developing a school garden, or offering to paint play markings on the school grounds.
- A club of one is not much fun! Encourage your child to join a club, such as Scouts, Guides or the YMCA.
- It's hard not to find a hill nearby in New Zealand - and where there's a hill, there's an activity. A piece of cardboard and a grassy slope equal hours of sliding and climbing (watch out for the road below!). Rolling races will get you all going. Or try out some mountain biking (remember to check whether it's OK to bike there).
- Coaching your child's team encourages them to keep up the sport, and will keep you fit at the same time. Find out about volunteering for a local sports club or see if your employer is part of SPARC's CoachCorp scheme.
- The great outdoors is a fantastic place for you and your child to get active - and learn about the environment at the same time. Go for a bush walk, check out the coastline or paddle down a river to enjoy our flora and fauna.
- Make the most of organised community events - there's one coming to a neighbourhood near you soon. Whether it's a fun run the whole family can do or a concert in the park everyone can dance to, it's fun, it's easy and it's all arranged for you.
- Your local regional sports trust is there to help you and your family get more active. Contact them about up-coming events, to get resources and to find out about local clubs and recreation centres.
With these activities and contacts up your sleeve, you'll be able to conjure up some fun activity no matter where you are, what the weather is, and who's around - so now the ball's in your court!
But remember, being a Push Play Parent doesn't mean being a pushy parent (that means no heckling on the sideline, either!). Getting active is an easy way to spend time together, have some fun, and get healthy - it's that simple.
More info and resources
Check out the Push Play action packs.
For for more activities, resources and information, see the 10-12 Useful links page.
Contact your local regional sports trust on 0800 ACTIVE for ideas and resources.
If you or your child have a disability, visit the Halberg Trust website to find out who your local sport opportunity advisor is and how they can help.
