Supporting Active Child Lifestyles

A wide variety of modern professions are contributing to sedentary lifestyles for adults, but issues of low physical activity are also relevant to today’s children. As rates of child obesity rise and kids become increasingly accustomed to modern conveniences designed to lower physical effort, the dangers of inactive child lifestyles are becoming apparent to a growing number of parents and guardians. As working off energy and being active are natural elements of childhood, a lack of regular activity can be detrimental for a child’s physical health, as well as for their psychological well-being. Kids who are active may also enjoy better social lives and may be capable of higher academic performance. By recognizing the need for regular activity amongst kids, parents and guardians can take the first step towards combating modern sedentary childhoods. Going further by encouraging children to exercise and explore with specific measures can further prevent kids from becoming too inactive.

     School is a primary venue for physical activity amongst children. While most schools offer some sort of physical education program, related classes may not be particularly challenging or may even be unpleasant for some kids who prefer organized games and matches to drills and stretches. Encouraging kids to consider joining school sports teams can turn regular physical education into a more personalized experience, and the thrills of being part of a team may help kids learn to enjoy regular exercise. School can also help contribute to higher activity levels when walking or biking to campus is encouraged. Though a physically-intensive commute to school may not be practical for all children, those who live within a reasonable proximity of the school’s grounds should use the opportunity to get an extra bit of exercise. Parents can walk with younger children to help them become accustomed to the commute and to teach proper crosswalk safety.

     There are also many opportunities for staying active outside of school. Many kids may be interested in taking classes or joining teams in their communities, particularly when school-based offerings are meager. Kids may benefit from taking self-defense courses such as those specializing in martial arts, or may wish to engage in specialty sports such as gymnastics or swimming. Community groups for kids such as scouts or youth circles may also be advantageous for encouraging more activity amongst children. These groups may participate in various heart-rate rising activities such as outdoor games or nature walks, and can also introduce children to activities that they may find interesting by attending sports events. When kids are exposed to a wide variety of potential avenues for activity, they’re likely to find something that suits their preferences and motivates them to get off the couch or out of the computer chair.

     Families themselves can play an important role in providing enjoyable ways for kids to keep active. While many modern families are affected by long working hours, heavy personal responsibilities, and an often hectic atmosphere, taking time to schedule regular family outings and trips that involve exercise is crucial. From simple walks around the neighborhood and trips to the local park to day excursions to a nearby forest or beach or vacations that incorporate water sports and other activities, there are many ways that families can emphasize the benefits of physical exercise as a group. In addition to aiding children’s physical development and preventing the creation of a sedentary lifestyle, family outings that involve exercise can benefit the health and well-being of each member while also creating fond memories that are sure to make the prospect of physical activity more agreeable in the future.

     It is often suggested that children can greatly benefit from being given positive examples, and this may well be the case for physical activity. Children who observe their parents and other family members declining to participate in exercise or spending inordinate amounts of time sitting or lying around the house may develop the notion that being sedentary is normal and acceptable. On the other hand, when kids see family members engaging in regular physical activity and displaying a positive attitude towards exercise, they may be more likely to develop a similar outlook and sense of enthusiasm. Even though parents may feel they have little time or energy for exercising around the house, they can greatly influence their children’s perspective on activity by making the extra effort to stay active themselves.

     Keeping kids safe from harm, encouraging quality learning, and helping them enjoy rich childhoods are all common goals among parents, but increasingly, such goals are being supplemented with a desire to ensure that kids don’t become sedentary. Leading to better physical health, improved emotional well-being, better opportunities for social interaction, and a potentially greater family life as well, active lifestyles for kids are essential for growing up strong, happy, and healthy –and better able to combat a sedentary life as an adult, as well.