Many runners find it challenging to continue running after having kids (or to get started with running once they have kids). It’s not easy, but it’s definitely possible! Including your children in your running routine can be a fun way to spend time together, stay active, and introduce them to a healthy lifestyle. From when they are babies until they are old enough to run with you, consider these ideas to include your kids in your running routine!
10 Ways to Include Your Kids in Your Running Routine
1. Run with your baby in a stroller
From around the time they are 6 months old most babies can safely ride in a jogging stroller. At first they may nap on runs, but as they get older they may become interested in what they see around them on their runs. It’s a great way to get fresh air and spend time together!
2. Run on a treadmill with your child nearby
Babies can sleep in play in a pack n play or play pen, while older kids can do an activity nearby. They will get to see you running and you can also be close by to help them if they need anything.
3. Talk to your kids about why you run
Kids will start to notice and ask questions about your running. Keep the conversation positive and avoid reasons like running purely for weight loss or feeling like you “have to run”. Focus on the health benefits, the endorphins, and the excitement of working towards goals.
4. Let your kids ride a bike while you run
As your kids get older and start riding bikes they may be able to ride with you while you run. If you can find a flat path or paved loop this can be a great option to get in your run while they do something they enjoy.
5. Run on a track while your kids play
For kids who can’t or don’t want to bike, you could try running on a track and letting them play where you can see them. If you have more than one child they could play games together or do their own kind of workout. Maybe they will even run a little bit!
6. Take older kids on a run with you
At some point your kids may ask to run with you. Start with a very short distance and encourage run/walks if that is easier for them. Don’t put any pressure on them and keep it fun. My son likes to wear one of my old GPS watches to track how far he ran so he can try to go a little further the next time!
7. Have your kids come to one of your races
Your kids will probably be interested in your races. If there’s another adult who can bring them this is a great way for them to see what it’s all about. (They will probably ask if you won and will want to steal your medal!)
8. Sign up your kids for their own race
If your child enjoys running you can sign them up for their own race. Our local running store has a kids series with distances like 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile. If that’s not an option, try a family friendly 5k.
9. Help your kids set a running goal
As your kids become more interested in running you can help them set exciting but appropriate goals. This may help keep them motivated so they continue to run.
10. Relate running to other areas of life
Running teaches us alot of lessons and can be compared to other challenges in life. If your child is facing something that they want to get better at or that they are unsure about, you can use examples from running to help them stay motivated.
You may also like:
6 Fun Ways to Involve Your Kids in Your Running
10 Important Steps to Starting Stroller Running for Postpartum Moms
How To Dress Babies and Toddlers For Stroller Runs in the Cold
How do you include kids in your running?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Last Saturday, I went to a race where they also had a run for kids. It was so much fun to watch them running with enthusiasm and joy.
It’s great when parents let their children see that running can be fun. And who knows, maybe those little kids will become great runners one day!
Great ideas. I didn’t start running until my kids were mostly grown so I didn’t have to figure out how to involve them. I’d like to say that I was the reason my youngest ran track in high school but the real reason is that he wanted to get faster to play football. 🙂
I love this. it’s so important to introduce kids to different kinds of fitness. Mine never loved running, but he did end up doing marching and is now very excited going to the gym, so I’ll take it!