As a parent, wanting the best for your child is natural, including ensuring that they grow up strong, healthy, and active. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to fit physical activities into an already full schedule.
The good news is that keeping your kids active doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. With the right strategies, you can inspire a lifelong love of movement and sports.
Why Physical Activity is Important for Young Kids
Physical activity is essential for a child’s development as it improves their physical health, builds motor skills, and supports their mental and emotional well-being. We discuss this in our other blog post here. In Singapore, where academic demands are high, sports can be a necessary outlet for energy and stress, which can positively benefit their performance in school.
How Much Activity do Kids Need?
According to health experts, children should engage in at least 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day. Moderate intensity is when the heart is beating harder and breathing is faster than normal. The activities can be accumulated in short intervals of 10 to 15 minutes and include unstructured play and structured sports.
Children’s growth and development may differ, and the emphasis and activity recommendations vary among age groups. The activities children engage in should match their age, skill level and maturity.
For kids aged one to six years old, play should be unstructured with minimal rules. Physical activity should be a fun part of their daily life. Activities should encourage them to explore their body function and develop fundamental movement skills. This might sound like a lot, but with some creativity and planning, it can fit naturally into your current routine!
Here are some ways that you can encourage physical activity with your kids!
Make it a Family Affair
Physical activity does not have to mean structured sports practices. Take advantage of the parks and recreational spaces in your neighbourhood to make exercise a family activity. Whether it is a walk or a bike ride, involving the entire family not only ensures everyone stays active but also strengthens familial bonds.
Make Movement a Part of Everyday Life
For busy parents, squeezing in extra activities can be challenging. Instead, incorporate movement into your family’s daily routine:
Walk or Cycle: Take advantage of the many walking and cycling paths in your neighbourhood. A short bike ride after dinner or a brisk walk to the park can make a big difference.
Household Chores: Turn chores into mini-workouts by encouraging kids to help sweep, carry groceries, or garden.
Active Play: Simple games like tag, hide-and-seek, or obstacle courses at home are fun and keep your kids moving. Play is a powerful way to keep kids moving without them even realising it. Activities like hopscotch, climbing in playgrounds or dancing to music are great for keeping your child active. Check out your neighbourhood for playgrounds or community spaces where your child can run and explore!
Balance Structure and Free Play
While structured sports are valuable, free play is just as important for your child’s development. Unstructured activities, like climbing at a playground or exploring nature, allow kids to use their creativity and practice problem-solving skills. Going for a hike on the weekends can be a fantastic way to combine physical activity with free play, allowing kids to explore their surroundings, engage their senses and build endurance without the pressure or rules or competition.
Lead by Example
Children are natural imitators, and they are more likely to embrace an active lifestyle if they see you doing the same. Set aside some time to exercise or play with your child. Whether it’s a morning jog, or simple activities like stretching together can show them the value of staying active. This will inspire them to hold the same values and do the same in their own lives.
Be Supportive and Patient
Not every child takes to physical activity right away, and that’s okay! Encourage them gently, celebrate their efforts and avoid comparison. The goal is to help them associate movement with joy, not pressure. Setting small achievable goals and celebrating them helps them build a positive association with physical activity.
Raising active and healthy kids is a journey, not a race. By incorporating physical activity into your child’s daily life in a fun and flexible way, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of well-being. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress and consistency.
If you’re looking for sports programs tailored to young kids in Singapore, Infiniti Kids offers a welcoming and supportive environment to introduce young ones to the world of sports! Conveniently located near Woodleigh and Bidadari, our academy provides multi-sports classes designed with young children in mind. Ready to help your child embrace sports? Check us out here!
Read our other blog articles here.
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