After over a year of being stuck in our houses all of us are ready to get back into a more active routine. For children staying physically active is just as important as eating well, taking any prescribed medication, and getting good rest.
Tips and Tricks to Getting the Whole Family Moving
Working up a sweat and breathing a little heavy is a good thing! While getting your kiddos running around is the goal, involving the whole family is the best way to make sure everyone is staying on top of their physical health.
Talk to Us!
Talking with your child’s provider about what sports or activities would be best for your child is a great place to start. We can also help explain why physical activity is so important to your children as part of their normal well check.
Plan Ahead
Setting aside dedicated time in between homework, chores, music lessons, etc to get the wiggles out and have an hour a day of physical activity is a way to ensure that everyone gets moving.
Make sure whatever activity you have planned is developmentally appropriate for your child. While going on a 5-mile jog might be your idea of a good time, young children aren’t ready for something that is physically demanding without the fun aspect of running during a game. Biking, scootering, soccer, swimming, and backyard obstacle courses are all great ideas!
Safety is Key
Providing sports equipment, clothing, and an area to play that are safe and age appropriate are the building blocks to ensuring that everyone has a good experience and will want to keep participating over and over again.
Being a good role model of enjoying physical activity and practicing safe habits will only encourage your family to do the same.
Overdoing an activity is a big no-no. If something hurts, this isn’t the time to make your child try to “play through the pain.” Sometimes that will only cause them to dislike physical activity because they associate it with not feeling well. Slowing down, trying a less difficult activity, or changing things up are not giving up, just making sure they can succeed no matter what they are trying. If something hurts or is uncomfortable enough to interfere with school or daily life be sure to give us a call and schedule an appointment.
Have Fun!
Finding that sport, or activity that your child loves is the key to making sure that they continue being physically active for years to come. Whether you make a family soccer team, an American Ninja Warrior course, or play mermaids in the pool, anything to get everyone involved just adds to the fun.
Being physically active helps prevent things like diabetes and heart disease and can help with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Teaching your children and family to have fun and staying active is a great way to set them up for success and health. Call our office with any questions or concerns and be sure to get your child scheduled for their sports physical!