Benefits of Physical Activity for Kids

2020 has been quite a year so far.  If you have children, it’s been an especially interesting and challenging time, to say the least.  One thing that’s been on my mind is my children’s level of activity.  It’s something I think about nearly every day! 
 
Usually, when they’re in school, they go to PE every day for 45 minutes.  They go to recess for another 20 minutes.  In addition, my 2 younger boys play basketball at our local YMCA.  In school they move throughout the day from their classroom, to the cafeteria, to the library, and so on.  At home, during this time, it’s a different story.  Their regular movement is much less throughout the day, and with sports at a standstill, playgrounds off limits and many other places such as museums and zoos closed, it is quite a challenge to get them moving and keep them active.  Not to mention, the electronics!
 
A lot of us are feeling overwhelmed already having to try to work either from home or away, keeping them fed, attempting to keep some kind of “normal” in our lives, keeping the house organized…The list goes on and on.  So, thinking of our kids’ fitness may sometimes seem as just one more thing to worry about. 
“Is it that big a deal?”  Some of us may ask ourselves.  How much do they really need to move?  How important is it? 
 
Well, not to stress you out, but it really is quite important.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children should participate in 60 minutes of physical activity throughout the day, including moderate to vigorous exercise.  This is just a minimum!  But there are benefits to it.  Benefits that may actually help relieve stress for families at home during this time.  So, while it may seem like one more thing we have to worry about, making it happen may actually make things easier on us.
 
Here is a list of  benefits of physical activity for our kids:

• Physical activity helps our kids develop strong bones, muscles and joints.
• They develop a strong heart and lungs as well.
• It helps in the development of coordination and movement control.
• Kids maintain a healthy weight when they participate in regular physical activity.
• It helps them improve control over anxiety and depression.
• It’s a good way for kids to develop strong social skills, self-confidence and self-expression.
• Studies also show that it helps kids develop other healthy habits including avoiding alcohol and drugs and eating healthful foods more often.
• Kids who are physically active show higher academic performance in school.
• They are better able to focus as well.
• Exercise has also been shown to improve sleep health.  Kids get a better night’s sleep when they’ve been physically active throughout the day.
• Physical activity also helps our kids feel empowered to tackle life's challenges as they come.  
• Our kids become stronger physically and mentally!

 
Remember too, it doesn’t all have to be done at once.  Quick short bouts of activity actually work better for kids.  Especially if they’re younger.  We all know how hard it is to keep younger kids’ attention on one activity.
 
So, if your kids may be spending a lot of time sitting watching tv or playing video games (as mine have done much more of during this time!), you can start small.  Over time, you can increase time and frequency to help them get used to it in a way that doesn’t seem overwhelming.  Before you know it, your kiddos will be moving, feeling better physically and mentally, and may even be asking for more!

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