Exercise for Children
As parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers know very well, young children seem to always be in motion except when they’re asleep. Still, it’s a good idea to start thinking about adult-led, structured physical fitness activities for children who are two and older, rather than just assuming that your child gets enough exercise from moving around the house. Also, the best way to encourage kids to exercise is when adults teach by example, and it’s never to early to start building a lifetime of physical fitness. For young children, the best way to offer physical exercise is through fun, creative games and easy everyday activities. Try adding a few extra minutes of exercise to routine activities for both you and your child. For example, when you go shopping, park a little farther away and walk to the store together. Or are there any errands you can do by walking around your neighborhood rather than driving from place to place? Be your child’s favorite playmate and lead by example, sharing fun experiences each day. In addition to walking, other fun activities to do with your child include dancing, visiting local parks or playgrounds, riding bikes or tricycles, and playing traditional games like tag and follow the leader. The best place to exercise with kids is generally in your own home or backyard. Throw or roll a ball back and forth. Toss beanbags into a basket or bucket. You don’t need to buy any special equipment to exercise with your child. Children often like to help around the house, and they can engage in parallel play and enjoy healthy physical activity while sweeping the floor with their own small broom, gardening or digging in the sandbox with [...]