How Parents Can Support Kids' Running

The benefits of running for kids are tremendous, but parents may be unsure of the best ways to get kids started and help maintain their motivation and commitment.

If your child has expressed an interest in running or has already started with a running club or team, here’s how to best support their running efforts.

How Parents Can Run With Kids

One the best ways parents can encourage kids to run is by running with them. Although it can sometimes be challenging for kids and parents to run together, there are some ways you can make it more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some things to try:

Start with fitness walking.

If your kids are new to running, start by going on walks as a family. Once you get moving, you can work in some short intervals of running to mix things up. As they get more physically and mentally conditioned for running, you can increase the distance of their run intervals.

Run at the track with them.

A local school’s track may be a good place for you and your kids to run together. You can run and be on the track together, without having to run the exact same pace. Bring a relay baton along (kids love relays!) to practice relay racing and passing the baton.

Play running games with them.

Most kids like to run, but many get bored doing laps around a track or gymnasium. Running games such as Sharks and Minnows or racing games are always a big hit with kids.

Get Kids Motivated to Keep Running

Once kids have started with running, you may need to give them some incentives to keep going. Here are some ways to get them to embrace the sport.

Sign them up for a fun run.

Local races often have “fun runs” for kids, where kids compete in a short race just for them. There are usually different distances for various age groups, so kids can run with others who are close in age to them.

Most races offer a medal, shirt, or other incentive for completing the race. Once kids experience the fun of competing in a race and enjoying the post-race celebration, they may get hooked.

Give them a running challenge.

Sometimes kids need a fun challenge for motivation to get moving. Try some of these kids’ running challenges that are suitable for kids of all ages.

Find a youth running program.

Kids love doing things with other kids. Check with your child’s school, your town or city’s recreation department, or local churches to see if they have a kids’ running team or club. Not all towns and cities have running programs for kids, so you may need to look beyond your local community. If your kids are teens, they might be able to join a local running club with you.

Guidelines for Parents of Pre-Teen Athletes

What are the best ways for parents to support their kids who compete on a running team? The Physician and Sportsmedicine, a monthly journal targeted to physicians and sports medicine professionals, published a set of guidelines for parents of pre-teen children who participate in competitive athletics. This simple advice can apply to all sports, including running.

1. Make sure your children know that—win or lose—you love them and are not disappointed with their performance.

2. Be realistic about your child’s physical ability.

3. Help your child set realistic goals.

4. Emphasize improved performance, not winning. Positively reinforce improved skills.

5. Don’t relive your own athletic past through your child.

6. Provide a safe environment for training and competition. This includes proper training methods and equipment.

7. Control your own emotions at games and events. Don’t yell at other players, coaches, or officials.

8. Be a cheerleader for your child and the other children on the team.

9. Respect your child’s coaches. Communicate openly with them. If you disagree with their approach, discuss it with them privately.

10. Be a positive role model. Enjoy sports yourself. Set your own goals.

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Running coach Christine Luff is an ACE-certified personal trainer and youth fitness specialist. Some of her favorite coaching moments have been seeing kids on her running team cross their very first finish line.