| How to Plan a Road Trip Posted: 16 Dec 2020 12:00 AM PST Who doesn't love a good road trip? Loading up your car, putting on some music, and hitting all the backroad stops along your route is a great way to have some fun. Road trips might seem like spontaneous getaways, but you're better off if you spend a bit of extra time planning the journey, route, budget, and packing list. You'll definitely thank yourself for this extra bit of planning when you're having a great time on your trip! [Edit]Route Planning - Map out the route to your destination. You probably have your destination in mind, so next you have to figure out how to get there. It's best to plan the route beforehand rather than only relying on your navigation system to get you there. That way, you can hit any stops you want to see on the way, and you'll know the right directions if your GPS fails. Check your map or get directions online and plan out the route before leaving.[1]
- Plan a scenic route if you have time to reach your destination. For a classic road trip, take a route with plenty of stops and sights to see along the way. That way, the journey becomes a trip in itself![2]
- You can still move pretty quickly and stop to sightsee on the way. Pick attractions close to interstates and highways so you don't have to go too far off the route.
- Take a quick route if you want to get to your destination faster. You might also be more interested in reaching your destination than seeing sights along the way. This is fine too. In this case, plan a route with plenty of interstates and highways so you move quickly and get to your destination as soon as possible. Then you can start enjoying your vacation![3]
- This is a good option if you're traveling by car to avoid the expense of air travel. Your main goal is probably getting to your destination fast rather than spending a lot of time on the road.
- Make a list of sights you want to see on the way to your destination. You'll get the real road trip experience if you make some stops along the way and take in the sights. Check your route and see what's on the way. Make a list of everything you want to see during your journey. Even if you're in a hurry, you can probably spare a few hours for a stop. It's definitely worth it for the classic road trip experience.[4]
- For example, if you're driving from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, it's definitely worth it to stop and see the Grand Canyon.
- You can also plan some detours to hit sights that aren't directly in your path. Driving a few hours out of the way could be worth it if there's something you really want to see.
- The website Roadside America has a ton of suggested sites to stop all over the US if you're on a road trip. If you need ideas, visit this site and plug in your route to see what comes up.[5]
- Mark the hotels or RV parks you'll stop to sleep at. If your trip will take more than 1 day, then you'll need a plan on where to sleep. Map out your stops along the route and pick the hotel or RV parks you'll be stopping in. This gives you a new destination to aim for each day.[6]
- The distance between these stops depends on how much you want to drive each day. If you can drive for 10 hours straight without getting too tired, then that's fine. If you prefer to keep your driving stretches closer to 5 hours, then this works too.
- It's dangerous to drive when you're too tired, and you're at risk for falling asleep at the wheel or getting into accidents.[7] Don't plan for excessive distances between your stops.
- In general, driving for more than 10 hours in a day without stopping is dangerous. If at any point you feel too tired, pull over and take a quick nap.
- Allow extra time to stop and see unexpected attractions. Part of the fun of road trips is being spontaneous! Planning is good, but you never know what you'll come across on the road. If you pass a museum, historic site, park, or any other attraction, it's great to stop and have a look. This makes the road trip a lot more fun for everyone.[8]
- Building in a bit of extra time is easy. If you need to get to your hotel by 5 PM and it's 5 hours away, leave 8 hours to get there. This way, you can hit any unexpected stops on the way.
- Keep an eye on the time if you stop though. It's easy to lose yourself and end up behind schedule. This is important if you're trying to get to your destination quickly.
[Edit]Financial Planning - Set a total budget for your trip. This isn't as fun, but like with any vacation, you need to set a budget for your road trip so you don't spend more than you wanted to. Have a look at your finances and determine what you can afford to spend for the whole trip. Then use your budget to plan your spending for the trip.[9]
- The major expenses on a road trip include food, lodging, gas, and tolls. You should also allow some money for attractions and souvenirs.
- The limit for your budget depends on you and what you can afford to spend. It's best to save ahead of time so you can pay for the vacation rather than relying on your credit card.[10]
- Even if you don't have a high budget, you can have a great vacation by taking a road trip. Stay at cheaper motels, eat simple meals, and trim back spontaneous spending to stay under control.
- If you're on a road trip with friends, keep a list of what everyone owes to keep track of all the money. Apps like SplitWise make this a lot easier.
- Identify gas stations and prices along your route. Even a small change in gas prices can impact the budget of your trip. Add up the total miles you'll be driving and look at the average prices along the route you're taking to calculate your estimated gas bill. Include this in your budget planning.[11]
- AAA keeps a daily log of gas prices all over the US at https://gasprices.aaa.com//
- You can also use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas in every location.[12]
- Book your lodging ahead of time to get a good rate. Whether you're staying in motels or RV parks, the price of lodging can really add up. Usually, prices are higher if you book late.[13] There also might not be enough room for you if you book at the last minute, and you don't want to be left without a place to sleep! It's best to make all your lodging arrangements well ahead of your trip to get the best rates.[14]
- As a general rule, booking 3-4 weeks in advance is the best way to get the cheapest price. This isn't set in stone, though, so don't hesitate to book if prices seem to be going up.[15]
- It's especially important to book your lodging early if you're traveling during a peak season, like the summer.
- Leave room in the budget for incidentals or mishaps. Even with an airtight budget, you never know what will happen. Your car could break down or you might come across an attraction on the way that you need entrance money for. Plan for some wiggle room in your budget to plan for unexpected expenses like these.[16]
- Your trip will also be a lot more fun if you have a bit of extra money and don't have to worry about going over budget.
- As a bonus, if you don't spend more than you budgeted for, it'll feel like extra money!
[Edit]Effective Packing - Pack only what you need to save room. It can be tempting to overpack for a road trip, but space is limited! Do your best to pack light and only bring what you need. A few pairs of clothes, towels, toiletries, snacks, and any other essentials are all you need. That way, you'll have plenty of leg room to stay comfortable in the car.[17]
- You can save room if you stay at hotels with laundry facilities. That way, you won't have to pack as many clothes.
- If you're going on a trip with others, make sure you tell them the space limits and encourage them to only pack what they absolutely need.
- A roof rack is a great way to pack plenty of stuff without taking up too much room in the car.
- Bring a cooler with plenty of snacks. You're bound to get hungry in the car, and you might not be near any restaurants or rest stops. Pack a bag or cooler with all of your favorite snacks and bring it along. This way, you can easily dip into your snacks for a quick bite. Remember to bring plates and napkins too so you don't make a mess![18]
- As long as the cooler stays cold, you can bring sandwiches, cold cuts, fruit, and salads.
- If you can't fit a cooler in the car, make sure you only bring non-perishable foods like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, or bags of chips.
- Bringing food in the car is also a good way to keep the budget under control. Stopping at restaurants adds up, so packing some extra snacks can cut down on that expense.
- Include plenty of entertainment like music or movies. Road trips are a ton of fun, but long hours on the road will get boring eventually. Having some entertainment helps pass the time during dull stretches. This is especially important if you have kids in the car. Pack some movies for children or passengers in the backseat to watch, and plenty of music to keep everyone else entertained.[19]
- It can be fun to let everyone have a chance being the car DJ. That way everyone gets a turn to listen to what they want to.
- Try putting together a playlist that gets you pumped so you stay alert while you're driving.
- Remember chargers for all your electronics too! You don't want to end up stranded with no power.
- Pack any medications or health items you need. Remember to bring any prescriptions you have to take, and any other medications or supplies you use regularly. Pack all of this in a separate bag so you can find it easily.[20]
- It's also good to always have a first-aid kit in the car to handle any minor injuries.
- Bring along some pain relievers and antacids too. You never know when you'll need them on vacation.
- Bring a paper map in case you don't have service or power. It's not a good idea to depend entirely on your GPS. You might lose service, or the device could malfunction. It's always worth it to have a paper map in the car so you can find your way no matter what. It's old fashioned, but it works.[21]
- Road atlases are great resources that have all the major roads for entire countries in them. Get one of these to keep in your car.
- Practice reading the map if you're not used to it. If you've only used a GPS system, a paper map might look confusing at first.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car. You never know what'll happen on the road, so be prepared. A basic emergency car kit should have a first-aid kit, jumper cables, water, flares, blankets, flashlight, non-perishable food items, and an extra cell phone. You may also need some extra gear if you're heading to a harsher climate.[22]
- If you're traveling in the winter or heading towards a cold climate, then definitely pack an ice scraper, snow brush, sand, and a small shovel in case you get stuck in the snow.
- It's good to always have an emergency kit in your car, not just when you're taking a road trip.
- Remember masks if you're going somewhere affected by COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting many places. Protect yourself and your travel partners by packing masks and wearing them whenever you're around other people. If you can, stick with outdoor activities to reduce your risk of catching the virus.[23]
- Respect social distancing rules as well, and leave at least between yourself and others.
- It's also a good idea to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and keep it in your car.
[Edit]Car Safety Checklist - Make sure your tire pressure is correct. Your tires are crucial for safety on a road trip. Use a high-quality pressure gauge and measure the pressure on all your tires and the spare. If any tires are low, fill them up before the trip.[24]
- The recommended tire pressure is in your car owner's manual. In most cars, the recommendation is 32-35 psi, but follow the instructions for your car.
- It's best to take a pressure reading when the tires are cold so you get an accurate reading.
- Check your tire tread depth. If your tire treads are shallow, it means your tires are wearing out. For an easy test, press a quarter into the tire treads in a few different places. If you can see George Washington's head sticking up in any spots, then the tire is starting to wear out. Take the car to a mechanic to see if you need new tires before the trip.[25]
- Also look for any other signs of damage while you're checking the tread. Any cracks, scrapes, or worn-down parts could be dangerous.
- It's very dangerous to drive with worn-out tires, so don't delay in getting them fixed.
- Replace your wiper blades if yours are worn-out. You never know when you'll run into rain or snow on the road, so you'll need fresh wipers. Do a quick test by hitting the washer and wiper button in your car. Make sure the blades completely clean the windshield with each pass. If there are any wet spots leftover, or if the wipers leave smudges, then replace the wipers before you leave.[26]
- If the blades leave any wet spots, they might just be dirty. Try cleaning the wipers with alcohol and doing the test again. If there are still wet spots, then you definitely need new wipers.
- Check your battery health. A dead battery can really ruin a road trip. Pop your hood and make sure there is no corrosion on the battery terminals. Also make sure the nuts connecting the wires to the terminals are tight. If all looks good, then you shouldn't end up with a dead battery on your trip.[27]
- If the battery is over 3 years old, it's a good idea to let a mechanic check it to make sure it's healthy. They can replace it if they have to so you don't end up stranded.
- Bring your car to a mechanic for an inspection. For your car to run properly, you need to make sure it has enough oil and fluids, good brakes, a healthy battery and transmission, and all the other necessary parts. If you don't know how to check all this, it's best to bring your car to a mechanic before leaving. They can give your car a quick inspection and fix any issues to make sure the car is safe.[28]
- Bring your car in at least a few days before you're planning on leaving. That way, there's enough time if you need any repairs.
- Even if you know how to check all of this yourself, it's a good idea to let a mechanic take a look too. They might find something you missed.
- Rent a car if yours isn't fit for the trip. If your car is old, beat-up, or just not ready for a long trip, you always have the option to rent a car instead. This way, you can avoid the wear-and-tear on your own car and have a vehicle that's more up to the task.[29]
- Renting is also a good option if you need more space. If you own a sedan but want to go on a trip with 6 people, then renting a van or RV is a good choice.
- Always check the mileage agreements when you rent a car so you know how much you'll be charged. This is important for long trips.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
- If you're not sure whether or not your car can handle the trip, bring it to a mechanic to have a look at it.
- If you're traveling with friends, decide how you'll split the costs before leaving. This should solve any disagreements later on.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't rely on your navigation system without looking up the route beforehand. If your GPS fails, you'll be stranded if you don't have some idea of where you're going.
- Don't push yourself too hard while you're driving. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Give yourself a break every few hours so you're fresh and alert.[30]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Triple Chocolate Cake Posted: 15 Dec 2020 04:00 PM PST If you want a decadent chocolate cake with three different flavors of both cake and frosting, this is the cake for you. With white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate cake as well as frosting, this three-layer cake will satisfy any chocolate lover who has a passion for cake. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]The White Chocolate Cake[1] - all-purpose flour
- white sugar
- butter, softened
- 1-2 eggs
- buttermilk
- white chocolate
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- hot water
[Edit]The Milk Chocolate Cake[2] - + all-purpose flour
- sugar
- cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- milk
- vegetable oil
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- vanilla extract
- boiling water
[Edit]The Dark Chocolate Cake[3] - + all-purpose flour
- sugar
- milk
- 1 egg
- teaspoons baking powder
- baking soda
- dark cocoa powder
- salt
- vegetable oil
- vanilla extract
- – boiling water
[Edit]For the Frosting White Chocolate Frosting[4] - white chocolate
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- butter
- sugar
- vanilla extract
Milk Chocolate Frosting[5] - butter
- cocoa powder
- powdered sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
Dark Chocolate Frosting[6] - butter
- dark cocoa powder
- powdered sugar
- and milk
- vanilla extract
[Edit]Making the White Chocolate Cake - Preheat the oven to . Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan.
- If you have one, try using a cake pan with a removable bottom. This can make it easier to remove the cake from the pan later.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Melt the white chocolate. Using a small saucepan, melt the white chocolate and combine it with the hot water. Mix the combination until it becomes smooth.
- Allow the white chocolate mixture to cool.
- Combine the butter and sugar. Add the butter and sugar to a large bowl and cream them together using a hand mixer.
- Crack the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Mix well after adding each egg.
- Alternate between adding the flour mixture and buttermilk. Combine well.
- Add the white chocolate into the cake mixture and mix well.
- Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the leftover cake batter out of the bowl and into the pan.
- Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool for about ten minutes.
[Edit]Making the Milk Chocolate Cake - Preheat the oven to . Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan.
- If you have one, try using a cake pan with a removable bottom. This can make it easier to remove the cake from the pan later.
- Sift the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder with a whisk.
- Add the wet ingredients. Crack in the eggs and pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients together for about two minutes, or until fully mixed.
- Stir in the boiling water with a spoon. The batter will be thin at this point, which is normal.
- Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the leftover cake batter out of the bowl and into the pan.
- Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes. The time may vary. However, you can tell when the cake is done if you poke a toothpick into the center, and it comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for about ten minutes.
[Edit]Making the Dark Chocolate Cake - Preheat the oven to . Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan.
- If you have one, try using a cake pan with a removable bottom. This can make it easier to remove the cake from the pan later.
- Sift the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dark cocoa powder with a whisk.
- Add the wet ingredients. Crack in the eggs and pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients together for about two minutes, or until fully mixed.
- Stir in the boiling water with a spoon. The batter will be thin at this point; that's normal.
- Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the leftover cake batter out of the bowl and into the pan.
- Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes. The time may vary. However, you can tell when the cake is done if you poke a toothpick into the center, and it comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for about ten minutes.
[Edit]Assembling the Cake - Remove the cakes from their pans. Run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to make the cakes easier to remove, then place wire racks over the top of the cake pans and flip the cake pans over. Pull the pan off the cake carefully and allow the cake to fully cool.
- If you used cake pans with removable bottoms, pop the bottoms of the cake pans out and move the cakes to the wire racks to allow them to cool fully.
- Use the time that the cakes are cooling to make the frostings, as you can't frost the cake when it's still warm - the frosting will melt if you try.
- Make the white chocolate frosting. The white chocolate frosting will add a delicious, light flavor to the layer cake.
- Start to melt the white chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it continuously to ensure that it doesn't burn.
- Add the flour and milk to the melting white chocolate. Mix it until the mixture has thickened considerably.
- Set the mixture aside to fully cool.
- Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl until the mixture is fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the white chocolate mixture, and continue to beat the mixture with a hand blender until the consistency resembles whipped cream.
- Make the milk chocolate frosting. Be aware that you'll need to make more of the milk chocolate frosting than the other frostings, in order to cover the entire cake.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
- Add in the cocoa powder and mix.
- Alternate between adding the powdered sugar and milk, stirring thoroughly while adding.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and mix.
- Make the dark chocolate frosting. This frosting will give the cake an extra touch of the deep flavor of dark chocolate.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
- Add in the dark cocoa powder and mix.
- Alternate between adding the powdered sugar and the milk. Mix the combination thoroughly while adding.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix.
- Place the milk chocolate layer on a plate.
- Frost the top of the milk chocolate cake. Use either the white chocolate frosting, or the dark chocolate frosting.
- Stack the white chocolate layer on top of the frosting.
- Frost the top of the white chocolate layer. Use the flavor of frosting that you didn't use for the milk chocolate layer - for example, if you frosted the milk chocolate layer with dark chocolate frosting, frost the white chocolate layer with white chocolate frosting.
- Place the dark chocolate layer on top of the frosting.
- Frost the whole cake with milk chocolate frosting. You can use a clean palette knife to smooth out the frosting, or in a pinch, a rubber spatula.
- If you have enough frosting, try decorating the cake with the frosting, such as by piping it.
- Garnish the cake, if desired. You can try many things to garnish the cake - you can top it with fresh berries, chocolate curls or shavings, chocolate sauce, or whatever you want that would go well with your triple-chocolate cake.
- Serve. Cut the cake into slices and place them on plates. Serve the cake alongside ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
- If you want to frost the cake with white chocolate frosting or dark chocolate frosting instead of milk chocolate, you can cut the recipe for milk chocolate frosting in half and then double the recipe for the desired frosting.
- Try stacking the cake layers in different ways (for example, with the dark chocolate layer on the bottom) if you want to change up the look of the cake.
- The boiling water added to the cakes will moisten them, so you may want to avoid omitting it.
- Consider garnishing the cake with 1 cup of your favorite nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful not to over-mix the cake batter, or the cakes may turn out to be rubbery and tough.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 3 9-inch round cake pans
- 3 wire racks
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Spoons
- Measuring tools
- Rubber spatula
- Knife
- Plate
- Palette knife (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Encourage a Child to Participate in an Activity Posted: 15 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST Participating in a new or challenging activity can be intimidating for children of all ages. While you may be able to clearly see the long and short term benefits, it may take them a bit of time to build confidence and feel comfortable participating in an activity. However, you can help encourage them to participate by figuring out what motivates them and finding activities they'll enjoy. [Edit]Encouraging a Shy Child - Use their interests as a starting off point to get them involved.[1] To help encourage a shy child to get involved in a new activity, first ask or observe them to figure out what some of their interests are. Then, try to use that information as a starting off point to help the child segue into the new activity and make it more appealing for them.[2]
- For example, if you notice that a shy child in your class likes to draw, try encouraging them to participate in your class play by putting them in charge of drawing a set design. They'll likely be more motivated to participate if you make the activity more interesting for them.
- When you approach the child about participating, try asking them, "I've noticed that you're an incredibly talented artist. Would you mind helping us out by drawing the set design for our play?" This helps them feel like an important part of the activity and allows them to contribute by doing what they love.
- Take them to watch the activity before they get started. If you know a child is shy and nervous to try a new activity, try taking them to watch it first so they'll have a better idea of what to expect. Shy children may need more time to get accustomed to new places, people, and activities. By taking them to watch the activity beforehand, they'll likely feel more comfortable when it's time for them to participate.[3]
- If you aren't able to go to the activity location beforehand, it can also be helpful to show them pictures or videos online.[4]
- For example, if you're trying to encourage your shy middle schooler to play ice hockey, taking them to watch a practice at the rink may help them feel more comfortable and confident going into their first practice.
- Pair them up with outgoing children whenever possible. When you sense that a shy child is reluctant to participate, try putting them in a pair or small group with a few outgoing children that you know will be welcoming and encouraging. In a small group setting, more outgoing children may pick up on their reluctance and try to help them open up and feel more comfortable with the activity.[5]
- Similarly, try getting them involved in activities with their friends or children they know so they'll feel more comfortable from the get-go.
- Give them a role that encourages them to interact with others. In many cases, shy children are reluctant to participate in activities because they're intimated about the social aspects. To help them move past this, try giving them a role that requires them to interact with other kids to fulfill their assignment. Interacting in a more structured setting can help them feel more comfortable being social with others and feel more inclined to participate on their own over time.[6]
- For example, if you're teaching a middle or high school debate class, try assigning the shy child to serve as the debate moderator or timekeeper. That way, they'll be able to participate and interact with other kids without the pressure of debating on a team themselves.
- Choose small group activities so they won't feel overwhelmed. To help a shy child feel more comfortable with new activities, try signing them up for activities that take place in small group settings. While joining the football team may be overwhelming for some shy kids, for example, small group tennis lessons may be a less intimidating environment.[7]
- Activities that are more individualized and have an easier pace may also be a good option. Yoga classes, for example, can be a great option for shy children because they can participate in their own way and move at their own pace.
- Let the child know you're proud of them. Whether the child excels at an activity or not, it's important that you use positive reinforcement to show them that you're proud of them for participating. Giving them a hug, a high five, or complimenting something they did well will go a long way in helping a shy child feel more confident, which will likely make them more motivated to continue to participate in the activity and improve.[8]
- For example, if your daughter recently joined the school orchestra and had her first concert, try telling her afterward, "You sounded amazing during that last song!" Even if they made several mistakes throughout the concert, focusing on what they did well helps boost their confidence and feel more inclined to stick with it.
- In addition, it can be helpful to use tangible rewards occasionally to encourage the child to participate. For example, if they've been hesitant to participate in classroom activities at school, it may be helpful to allow them to earn a small reward for a positive report from their teacher.
- Urge them to try an activity more than once. Trying a new activity can be stressful and intimidating for shy children, which can make them want to dismiss an activity after the first try. In many cases, though, they might just need another chance to gain a bit more confidence. Unless the activity caused physical, emotional, or mental harm, it may be beneficial for you to urge them to try it one more time to see if they like it a bit better once they know what to expect.[9]
[Edit]Helping a Child Participate in Physical Activities - Introduce them to a wide variety of activities to find what they enjoy. Perhaps the best way to encourage a child who is reluctant to participate in physical activities is to find an activity that they'll enjoy. While it can take some time and effort, introducing the child to a number of different activities will help both of you narrow down what they like and don't like. Once they find an activity they're interested in, they'll be much more likely to get out there and be more active.[10]
- For example, take them to both a football game and a yoga class. If they seem bored in the yoga class but attentive during the game, try signing them up for a group sport that's more competitive.
- While this is particularly important for young children, who are still trying to figure out what they like, it can also be helpful for older children as well. By encouraging them to try out a wide variety of new activities, you'll show them that it's never too late to be more active and start participating in something that's both fun and good for their health.
- Look for activities that suit their personality and strengths. When looking for a physical activity that a child will enjoy, it can be helpful to consider what their strengths are, and what personality traits may make them more inclined to enjoy certain activities. If the child is particularly outgoing, for example, you may want to try signing them up for a more social activity, such as a soccer team, rather than an activity that can be more solitary, like cross-country running.[11]
- If the child is particularly curious and adventurous, for example, try taking them hiking or signing them up for rock climbing classes. Allowing them to explore and learn more about the outdoors may help them get over their reluctance to physical activities.[12]
- Choose age-appropriate activities so they won't feel out of place. When you're looking for a physical activity that they'll participate in and enjoy, try talking to their doctor first, as well as the potential coach or teacher, to assess if the activity is appropriate for the child's age and abilities. If you try to get them to participate in activities that are too easy or too physically advanced, they'll likely feel bored or overwhelmed and therefore, less inclined to commit to the activity.[13]
- For example, if you want your middle school son to get more exercise but he isn't naturally athletic, try signing him up for an activity he can ease into on his own like running or biking. Both of these are great options because they'll allow him to participate on his own time and build his endurance over time.
- Pushing a child into an activity that they aren't ready for or able to fully do could be both emotionally and physically harmful.[14] In addition, it could make them resent an activity that they may have enjoyed if they'd tried it at the right time.
- Get any supplies they'll need ahead of time so they'll be prepared. When a child is trying a new physical activity, they'll likely feel a bit nervous or anxious beforehand. Getting any supplies and equipment they may need ahead of time will help them feel prepared. Feeling prepared can calm their nerves and make them more willing to participate.[15]
- If they're prepared and able to fully participate in the activity as soon as they get started, they'll be much more likely to do so.
- For example, if you signed your daughter up for a swim team, make sure that she has all the equipment she'll need beforehand. If she shows up to practice ready to go with her suit, goggles, cap, or flippers, she'll probably feel much more comfortable.
- Schedule time to participate in physical activities with them. If you're finding it hard to motivate a child to be more active, try making time to do more physical activities with them. Leading by example shows them the benefits of being active and allows you to spend some quality time together as well.[16]
- For example, try scheduling fun activities you can do as a family. Going for bike rides, shooting hoops at the park, and rollerblading are all great activities that encourage your children to be more physically active.
- Talk about what you know they'll like about the activity. If a child seems reluctant to participate in an activity, it can be helpful to take some time to talk to them about the aspects you know they'll enjoy. By focusing on how much fun they'll have, you'll be able to get them excited to get started.[17]
- If you're trying to get a middle school child to be more physically active, try signing them up for their school's rowing team and emphasizing how much fun they'll have with their teammates. For example, try telling them, "You'll have so much being on the water every afternoon at practice and you'll get to hang out with your best friend Joe even more!"
[Edit]Getting Older Kids to Participate and Honor Commitments - Describe the reasons why they should participate in the activity. While it's important that you try to find activities they enjoy, there will inevitably be situations where older kids will need to participate in activities they don't like. When this happens, take time to explain to them why it's important that they participate, and what they'll be able to learn by doing so. In many cases, they'll be more inclined to participate if they understand the benefits.[18]
- For example, if your child is in high school and wants to quit working on the school paper, try making it clear to them why it's important that they continue to participate. Instead of telling them they have to participate "Because I said so," take time to explain how honoring their commitment to the paper will help them get into the college they want.
- Get them involved in activities where others depend on them. If you notice that a child isn't self-motivated, try encouraging them to get involved in group activities where other people will depend on them to do their jobs. Like adults, older children are often motivated to honor their commitments because they know others are depending on them. Finding a group activity helps hold them accountable while giving them a strong sense of purpose.[19]
- If you're a high school teacher and you've noticed that one or more of your students isn't participating much in class, try giving the class a group project and assigning each group member a specific role. The students that are usually reluctant to participate may feel the pressure to contribute more since their group members are relying on them.
- Explain that there are a variety of ways they can participate. In many cases, there are a number of ways that people can participate in an activity. If a child is reluctant to participate in an activity they've never done before, they may have a narrow idea of what that activity entails. If they're not interested in participating in the most obvious sense, try encouraging them to participate in some capacity, even if it's not how they originally envisioned.[20]
- For example, some students participate in classroom activities by raising their hand a lot, while others participate by answering questions directed at them and taking diligent notes. By explaining the variety of ways they can participate more in school, they'll be more likely to figure out what type of participation works best for them.
- If you're trying to encourage your son to get involved in more extracurricular activities but he's not interested in joining a sports team, for example, try encouraging him to participate by becoming the team's student manager.
- Apply what motivates them in other areas to this particular activity. To encourage an older child to participate in an activity they don't want to do, try first asking them why they enjoy an activity they're already involved in. If you can assess what motivates them to participate in that activity, you may be able to find ways to apply that to the new activity as well.[21]
- For example, if you're trying to get your daughter to read more and watch TV less, try first asking her, "You're so committed to your bowling league. What do you like about it so much?" If she tells you that she loves bowling because it's fun and she gets to hang out with her friends, try suggesting that she start a book club with her friends. By adding in the social aspect that she loves about bowling, she may be more motivated to read.
- Don't force them into an extracurricular activity if it's not a good fit. When you're trying to find an extracurricular activity that a child will participate in, it can be frustrating if they don't show interest in something that you think would be good for them. While it's important that you encourage them to give it a fair chance, if they really aren't enjoying it, they likely won't be motivated to participate.[22]
- In addition, if you try to force them to participate in something that they're really just not feeling, they could end up feeling resentful towards you and the activity.
[Edit]References |
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