Physical Activity and Young Children

Jumping. Running. Climbing. Biking. These are all forms of physical activity enjoyed by children of all ages, including adults.  Getting out and enjoying a beautiful sunny day is important for all members of a family for many reasons.

Today’s children are more sedentary than past generations.  We have multiple technological devices for our children to watch and interact with.  Many new housing areas have been built with out neighborhood playgrounds. Parents work later hours.  Children are less likely to play outside unsupervised than when their parents were young. There are countless reasons to answer why children are less active.  The real question is: How do we ensure our child’s physical health in today’s world?

The answer is: Lead by example.  Children are more likely to be active when they have active parents.   Making physical activity a family event shouldn’t be an excruciating task.  Start a weekend garden. Volunteer to coach your child’s little league team.  Have a picnic dinner at a local park after daycare. Dance with your child during a KinderJam class. Given the opportunity, kids will naturally be active.  It is up to us as parents to create that opportunity.

Exercise is important for young children.  It not only reduces children’s risk for obesity, but it provides learning experiences.  Children learn through play.  Active play is a means for fine and gross motor development, cognitive skill development and creative thinking.

Make physical activities rewarding.  Plan a hiking trip in a local National Park for a week end vacation.  Promise to take your children to the pool after they eat all of their vegetables.  Replace after dinner sweets with a family walk or game of hide and seek.  The more time you spend together doing these activities the more chances you will have to bond with your children.  Remember that your are not only your child’s best teacher, but you are her best role model.  Get out, get moving and keep Jammin!

http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/pages/pdf/physical_activity-aboriginalangmcp.pdf