Top tips for encouraging children to walk to school
After a summer of British sporting success, leading outdoor retailer Hi-Tec is encouraging families to adopt an active lifestyle in the autumn and walk, rather than drive, to school.
The British walking boots specialist has compiled five top tips for parents to use to get children enthused about walking, including playing games on the journey and ensuring that they have the correct footwear for walking.
Helen Durant, UK Marketing Manager at Hi-Tec, says: “Walking to school with your kids in the morning allows for some quality time together in the fresh air, as well as contributing to your weekly exercise quota and reducing your impact on the environment.
“After Great Britain’s medal successes this summer, there’s no better time to teach your children about the benefits of being active!”
Hi-Tec’s Top Tips To Encourage Kids To Walk To School
1. New shoes!
It’s important that children are wearing durable and supportive shoes when walking to school. You needn’t spend a fortune to get a pair, but it’s important that the shoes fit properly. Letting your child choose their own shoes ought to give them an extra incentive to put them on too!
Hi-Tec has some great kids walking shoes like the TT EZ Sport Junior, in all-black for boys and with pink detailing for girls.
2. Be weather-ready
Not having proper outdoor gear will mean that you’re more likely to fall back into the habit of dropping the kids off by car. A waterproof coat, umbrella and spacious bag to keep all your kit in, should give you an incentive to keep walking. Conversely, sunglasses, a change of summer clothes and optional ice lollies will really help on sunny days too!
3. Healthy incentives
If your walking to school motives are part of a ‘health kick’ for your family, why not reward little ones with some extra-curricular exercise? You could treat them to a trip to the park or the local swimming pool, if they walk at least one way for a whole week.
4. Walk with them (or not)
For younger children, setting a good example is a great way to encourage them to pick up a healthy habit. Making the journey with them can make the experience less daunting, especially if they are starting a new school this term. On the other hand, if you have teens, your presence may be cramping their style. Letting them walk to school with friends gives them a sense of independence, just make sure that you know their route and that they’re contactable.
5. Make a game of it
Spending the journey playing I-spy or counting how many red, blue or yellow cars you can spot will make it seem much shorter for little legs. Change4Life has compiled some great games, downloadable here, but for extra fun, why not create your own with your child?
For more information on Hi-Tec and walking inspiration, visit hi-tec.com/uk/.
