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Thank you to Oriental Trading for supporting me in teaching others how to inspire young children to run. I have use their promotional items to market my children’s book “Running Is Totally For Me” since it was published. As a part of their ambassador program I received some of my promotional items for free.
There are often two types of people who want to inspire their young children to run. One is the runner themselves who would love to see their little one run. And the other is usually someone who is not a runner, but would like their child to be. Which group do you fall in?
Good news is it doesn’t really matter. How to inspire young children to run is the same process no matter if you are a runner yourself or not. And even better news is it is easier than running a marathon!
How To Inspire Young Children To Run
Show Them By Example- Young children love to do things that other people are doing. Run with them or invite others that they look up to to join in the running. If you aren’t a runner yourself talk about running, show them a video clip or make motivational signs to cheer someone on at their race.
Show Them Through Stories- Often times if young children do not have any reference for something it is hard for them to wrap their little brains around. They may even be scared or stand offish. Through stories though we can support them in creating familiarity and confidence. Read my children’s book, “Running Is Totally For Me” or other running stories to get them thinking about the possibility of running. Compare and contrast the story and how it relates to them or how a running adventure for them could look the same.
I bring my book and small goodies out to events to help get kids excited about running. Customized pencils are a hit for the older kids and Customized pencils are a hit with all the kiddos.
Show Them The Fun- If it looks fun young kids will try just about anything. Find running events that they get to dress up at or that have kid play zones afterwards. Have a crafty kid? Make shirts for the race. Go out for a special treat after the race. Or even something simple like light up shoes. Whatever your child is into or likes to do see if you can incorporate that into running some how.
How to inspire young children to run doesn’t have to be hard. They love doing things they are exposed to especially if it looks super fun. Start exposing them to different running experiences that are fun and entertaining. In no time your child will be excited to join in on the running!
Until Next Time- Truly Love,
Cassie
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