By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel
Children who engage in regular physical activity have better blood pressure, body mass index, bone density, overall health, academic performance, mental well-being and self-esteem.
Alternately, online activities and video gaming, for example, time spent sitting in front of the television or playing computer games, are connected to heftiness, metabolic disorder, hypertension and lower scores in psycho-social well-being markers like body satisfaction.
Here are things you can do when you notice your little one to be less active:
- Consult your pediatrician and rule out any physical issues. This is very important.
- Get the whole family included in making your kid more active. It is a very rewarding method and helps in getting to know each other too.
- Encourage your kid and ensure that he builds some sweet memories at play.
- Provide a protected environment.
- Be a good example: Children who witness their parents continuously enjoying sports and doing real work are likely to do the same.
- Assist your kid in learning a new game or participating in other active work.
- Create guidelines with dos and don’ts.
- Set aside a few minutes for play every day.
I’ve listed some games for kids between the ages of 3-6 below based on my personal experience.
Most activities should be simple, unstructured and play-based between the ages of three and six, although you can start enrolling your child in somewhat structured exercises. It is important to have a range of moderate to vigorous activities. Watch out for the safety of your child in everything.
- Swimming
- Skating
- Stretch exercises
- Bicycle riding
- Family games but not online
You can keep adding games while being creative and making sure that everyone is secure. This will primarily benefit your child and help them remember your sportive side.
Happy Parenting!
References
- https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00003-eng.htm
- https://activeforlife.com/best-physical-activities-for-kids-at-every-age/
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/Encouraging-Your-Child-to-be-Physically-Active.aspx#:~:text=Play%20with%20your%20children.,%2C%20hike%2C%20or%20bike%20ride.