Children are naturally full of energy, but the real challenge is helping them find ways to turn that energy into healthy and sustainable habits. In today’s digital world, it’s especially important to foster an active lifestyle from a young age. That doesn’t mean eliminating screens altogether, but rather creating a balance and finding fun, everyday opportunities to include physical activity into your child’s routine.
Start early
Early childhood is the perfect time to help children discover a love for movement through a variety of fun and age-appropriate activities. Along, with building strong bodies and healthy hearts, being physically active offers several other benefits for kids.
- Boosts brainpower. Movement enhances cognitive function, increasing the capacity for learning through improved focus and concentration.
- Builds social skills. Team sports, playground fun, and even dance parties encourage interaction and cooperation.
- Increases confidence. Mastering a new skill fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
- Improves sleep. Physically active children sleep better, which means happier and well-rested families.
- Establishes healthy habits. Setting the foundation early and helping children find activities they enjoy increases the likelihood they will remain physically active as they grow.
How to make it fun
Let’s face it, even adults know that physical activity can sometimes feel like a chore. For kids, the key is to keep it light, playful, and pressure-free, in a supportive environment where the whole family is involved.
- Lead by example. Make physical activity a regular part of your family’s routine. Show them how much you enjoy being active by taking walks together, dancing in the kitchen, or joining them in a game of tag.
- Mix it up. If they’re getting bored of the daily walks, try something you know they love, or ask them for new ideas on how to be more active. Get creative!
- Turn chores into games. Race to pick up toys, hop to the laundry basket — find ways to increase physical activity even when tending to household responsibilities. Anything can become a mini workout.
- Focus on fun, not performance. Reduce stress and anxiety by emphasizing cooperation over competition. The goal is to build a love for movement, and good sportsmanship.
- Ensure the activity is age-appropriate. Toddlers aren’t ready for organized sports but love to run around, free play, jump in puddles, etc. Provide opportunities for free play and introduce more structured activities when they are developmentally ready.
Simple physical activities for kids
Try these ideas to help you incorporate physical activity into your family’s daily routine.
- Dance party: Put on their favorite song and move your bodies! Add a ‘freeze dance’ component to get their body moving while working on executive function and self-regulation skills.
- Obstacle course: Use pillows, blankets, and furniture to create a fun obstacle course.
- Bubble chases: Bubble play is a great way to get kids moving, running, and jumping
- Playground adventure: Visit different playgrounds and let your child explore, while providing the opportunity to make friends and exercise.
- Water activities: Swim, splash, jump in puddles, have a water balloon fight. The opportunities for water play are endless, especially on hot days.
Remember to be patient and encourage your child to be active every day. Developing healthy habits takes time, but by making movement a priority, you’re giving your child a gift that will last a lifetime. For more parenting tips and advice on your child’s growth and development, visit our resource page.
