Movement Matters: How to Make Physical Activity a Daily Habit

Movement matters. And for growing kids, it’s not just a health bonus. It’s a brain boost, a mood lift, and a secret weapon for better sleep, focus and confidence. But turning physical activity into a daily habit? That’s the trick. Between school, homework and screens, even the most energetic kids can end up sitting way too much.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need a few simple, clever switches to keep your kids moving every day without the nagging or eye-rolls. Here’s how to make movement stick.

Build it into what you already do

You don’t need a new schedule. You just need to sneak activity into what’s already there.
Waiting for the kettle to boil? Jumping jacks. Walking to school? Add a lap around the oval.
Turn chores into sprints, races or time trials. Add music to get bodies moving while setting the table. Make movement part of the rhythm of your day and your kids will barely notice they’re building a habit.

Keep it short and fun

Think of movement like snacks. A little here, a little there, and before you know it, it adds up.
Ten minutes before dinner. A dance-off during homework breaks. A weekend walk to get ice cream. The goal isn’t a perfect workout plan. It’s frequency and fun. If it feels like play, kids will come back for more.

Give them a reason to move

Goals don’t have to be serious to be effective. Set a challenge like 100 skips a day. See who can balance the longest on one leg. Track steps on a pedometer or use a visual chart to show progress. Give your child a small, satisfying reason to move, and you’ll see motivation grow.

Lead by example

If you sit all day and scroll all night, your kids will too. But if they see you stretching, walking, squatting to pick up toys or dancing in the kitchen, they’ll follow your lead. Invite them in. Make it a team thing. Kids copy what they see, not what they’re told.

Say yes to active alternatives

Walk instead of drive. Kick a ball instead of watching TV. Choose the stairs. Ride to the shops. None of these take extra time. They just take a tiny shift in thinking. Give movement the default setting in your house and kids will learn to choose it without being told.

Keep it light

Missed a day? No big deal. This isn’t about pressure. It’s about practice. The goal is to make movement normal, regular, part of life. Just like brushing teeth or packing lunch. Do it often enough and it becomes second nature.

Final thoughts on why movement matters

Good habits start right now. Not when they’re older. Not when sport season starts. And not when the weather’s better. A few minutes here and there, built into your existing day, can create a rhythm of movement that helps your child grow stronger, happier and more switched on. Every step, skip or stretch counts. Just get started.

Please note that any advice shared here is general in nature, and we recommend checking in with a professional in regard to your child’s needs.

For more tips and tricks on topics like this deep dive into why movement matters, feel free to contact us or refer to our Dewey Does blog. 

Don’t forget, if your whole family wants to look amazing while you’re out there living your best life, we make a whole range of inspiring novelty tees that can add a touch of fun and color. Speaking of fun and color, be sure to check out our super cool interactive logo!

While you’re here, we’d really love to hear what you have to say on why movement matters to you Drop us your two cents below.

Hi, Team Does. I get all my sports news and updates from my friend Tommy Ommy, host of Straight from the Basement Sports Podcast. Be sure to follow him wherever you get your podcasts, and check out his YouTube channel for sports news and conversations - Dewey.

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