Try and fight the urge to let your child sit and play computer games after school. Even though kids are running around at break time, they still needs lots of time to burn energy and work their muscles for at least one hour a day.
It’s the repeated movement of large and small muscle groups that builds and refines how well these body parts work.
Another reason for physical activity: Studies have shown that children who watch more than one hour of TV a day are more aggressive and less creative. They read less and are less successful academically.
Lessons and team sports can provide great physical exercise, but they shouldn’t be your child’s only activities. Your child needs free play, too.
Why not try some of the following suggestions:
Take a family walk:
Switch between running, walking, jogging and skipping to keep it fun. Play ‘I Spy’ and sing songs while you walk.
Water fun:
A paddle pool, sprinkler, or running hose all encourage splashing, running, and touching. Have your child wash your car or get them to help you wash the family dog. (Always supervise children when around water)
Introduce games from your childhood:
“Ring around the Rosy”, “Red light, green light” and “What time is it Mr Fox” are all wonderful games.
Help your child draw a hopscotch board:
Using chalk, draw a hopscotch board and then show your child how to play.
Put on a show:
Give your child old socks or paper bags for making puppets. Fairy tales like Cinderella and sleeping beauty are all wonderful places to start.
Go on a family bike ride:
Make sure that everyone wears a helmet.
Challenge your child:
See who can jump rope for the longest, shoot the most baskets, stand on one leg longest. Kids love to compete against their parents.
