Guidelines for keeping kids active
08 Aug 2023 by Ted Escobedo 2 min read
Making sure the children in your life are active will help them develop strong muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight and may even help them get a good night’s sleep.
Physically active kids also are more likely to be motivated, focused, and successful in school. Plus, mastering physical skills builds confidence at every age. Here are a few age-related guidelines:
• Preschoolers need play and exercise that helps them continue to develop important motor skills — kicking or throwing a ball, playing tag or follow the leader, hopping on one foot, riding a tricycle or bike with training wheels, or running obstacle courses.
• School-age kids spend more time in front of screens, the challenge for parents is to help them find physical activities they enjoy and feel successful doing. These can range from traditional sports like baseball and basketball to martial arts, biking, hiking, and playing outside.
• Teens have many choices when it comes to being active — from school sports to after-school interests, such as yoga or skateboarding. It's a good idea to have an exercise plan since it often must be sandwiched between school and other commitments. Do what you can to make it easy for your teen to exercise by providing transportation and the necessary gear or equipment (including workout clothes). In some cases, the right clothes and shoes might help a shy teen feel comfortable biking or going to the gym.
Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/active-kids.html
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