The importance of keeping your children physically active during the pandemic

During the current pandemic it can be a serious challenge to keep young children physically active and minimize screen time.

Even before the pandemic started, children were not getting enough physical activity. Did you know that in Canada less than one in five children get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day? The 2020 ParticipACTION report card gives children and youth’s physical activity in Canada a D+.

The importance of physical activity should not be overlooked. The brain connections and neural pathways that are formed before the age of five, set the foundations for how the brain will develop through life, and this not only applies to the social, emotional and cognitive areas of development but also physical.

Research has shown that physical activity and active play in the early years improves coordination skills and higher levels of fitness. Also young children who are regularly engaged in physical activity demonstrate cognitive benefits, like problem-solving, improved attention and even persistence in tasks.                                    

Parents play a key role in helping their kid become physically active. Here are some suggestions:

1-     Emphasize fun. Help your children find a sport that they enjoy. The more they enjoy it, the more likely they are to continue with it. If you also get the whole family involved, it can be a great way to spend time together.

2-     Provide active toys. Young children need access to balls, jump ropes and other active toys that will not only help them stay active but also should assist with skill development too.

3-     Be a role model. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are way more likely to do so themselves.

4-     Limit Screen time. Including TV, computers, phones and video games. You can create screen-free hours where everyone puts their devices away, or even screen-free zones in the house. Making family meal areas a phone-free zone is an easy way to start.

5-     Play with your children. Help them learn a new sport or just have fun together by going for a walk, hike or a bike ride. This is a great way to spend time with them and also motivate them to be active.

 

 References:

 Hall, N. (2020, Jul 10). Kids' physical activity before age 5 matters so much because of the developing brain. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from

https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/kids-physical-activity-before-age-5-matters-so/docview/2422876521/se-2?accountid=12063

 American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020, Dec 30). 11 Ways to encourage your child to be physically active. Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/Encouraging-Your-Child-to-be-Physically-Active.aspx

 Naiman, A. (2014). The relation of childhood physical activity and aerobic fitness to brain function and cognition: A review. Pediatric Exercise Science Journal. Retrieved from

http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/pes.2013-0125

PHOTO: https://www.nata.org/blog/todd-christman/parents-role-sports-safety

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