Submitted by Sarah Morris on behalf of Primrose Schools, offering preschool programs with The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®
Today’s children face new challenges in the quest for health. Although children require at least one hour of moderate activity per day, ready access to effortless information and entertainment in tandem with nutrient-poor but calorie-dense prepackaged foods has led to an explosion in the number of children and teens who struggle with weight issues. Think about these statements:
- Today, nearly 25 million children are overweight or obese. (Source: Clinton Foundation.)
- The most effective way to treat – and prevent – childhood obesity is to adopt healthier habits for the entire family. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Children Motor Skills
Children who develop basic motor skills early in life have an advantage over others. These skills are important for physical and mental development. Experts agree that basic movements including running and jumping, throwing, catching, skipping and balancing can all contribute to the acquisition of basic motor function, which in turn can lead to increased academic performance.
Parents who practice a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and regular exercise are more likely to have active, healthy children. Incorporating physical fitness into your lifestyle is not as difficult as you think.
Tips for Getting Your Family Active:
Children need safe, kid-friendly environments indoors and out for active play. Childproof your home or yard and look for appropriate venues in your area.
Supply your children with age-appropriate tools for physical activity, including:
- Jump ropes, hula-hoops, batons and flying disks; sports balls including basketballs, soccer balls, soft baseballs and bats; ride-on toys or bicycles with safety gear; bubble solution and sidewalk chalk; paddling pools and water balloons.
Children thrive on attention. Make a point to go with them when they play and to incorporate exercise into regular family time.
- Walk to the corner store or park farther away from the entrance when shopping; buy an inexpensive field guide and try to identify birds and plants while out walking; take a family camping trip away from television and computers; draw a hopscotch course on the sidewalk or jump rope; splash in a pool or toss water balloons in warm weather; play Hide and Seek or Tag; look into local free or low-cost sports leagues; sing and dance.
- Take regular time out to offer positive reinforcement. Children who are praised and encouraged are more likely to continue to improve. Use concrete words and specific comments to applaud your children’s successes.
From the moment your child arrived, she was primed to become a sensation. Kicking, jumping, walking and running are all part of her physical vocabulary. Take the time to play with your child and secure a healthier future for her and your entire family.
{ 0 comments }
