How Your Children Can Stay Active During the Pandemic

Physical health is a big part of your general well-being. Being physically active can benefit your child’s body and mind. Let’s discuss why staying active is so important, along with a few activity ideas that you can do with your children.

Children’s obesity is a rising concern these days. In the United States, one out of five children is considered obese[1]. While being overweight may seem harmless at first, childhood obesity can lead to more significant health risks in the long-term. It’s wise to teach your children the importance of staying active and incorporating physical activity into their lifestyles while they are young.

Why Staying Active is Important

According to the World Health Organization, overweight and obese children are more likely to remain obese throughout their adulthood, making them more vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. These diseases include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases, all of which can have negative and lasting effects on one’s health.

Regular physical activity can keep your children’s bodies strong, help them maintain a healthy weight, and benefit their mental well-being. Exercise can help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve strength and endurance.

Staying active is often associated with physical health, but in reality, exercise also supports your mental well-being. Studies show that as little as 20 minutes of physical activity each day can lead to increased concentration and improved learning. Frequent physical activity has also been linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, which can extend into your child’s adult years.

Activity Ideas for Children

There are many ways your children can stay physically active, even during the pandemic. While these are general health tips, you should review them with your family’s individual health circumstances in mind. It’s important to consider the mask, hand washing, and social distancing measures involved in any activity. Activities that are limited to your family only may be best at this time.

Whenever possible, you can join your children in their activities. This can increase their motivation and give you opportunities to enjoy family time together. If your child is unsure about what activities to choose, encourage them to try different types so they can find an activity they will genuinely enjoy.

Sports

If your child exhibits athletic skills or expresses interest in some form of sport, encourage them to participate in these activities. Whether it be basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, or gymnastics, there are many sports-related activities in which your child can engage, yielding both physical and mental benefits.

Children can easily feel discouraged from engaging in sports if they feel like they do not excel or perform well, so it is important to encourage them to work on skill development and perseverance. It may take some time to hone their abilities to play their favorite sport well and this pursuit is good for their bodies and their minds.

Aerobic Exercise

Sports can count as aerobic or cardio activities, but if your child is not overly athletically-inclined, there are other options. Bicycling, skateboarding, jumping rope, running, and dancing are just some of the many aerobic exercises that your child may enjoy doing during their free time. These activities all aim to make them break a sweat and get their heart rate up to strengthen their heart and lung function. The CDC recommends doing aerobic activities at least three times a week.

Family Activities

What better way to promote activity with your children than by involving the whole family? Plan a hiking trip, find a bicycle trail, or go on a family walk. These activities will not only help your children get their much-needed physical activity, but can also provide quality family time.

Indoor Activities

When you think of physical activity, you may automatically think of the outdoors. However, you can get the same health benefits with indoor activities. For example, movement-based games or activities like freeze dance, mini-trampolines, or playing the Wii Fit can all help your little ones stay active without having to be outside the house.

Helping your children develop the habit of being physically active from an early age can promote better overall health, which they can carry on through adulthood. If, over time, you determine that an activity is no longer a fit, explore others. Good physical health is a journey, not a destination. The list of activities that you can encourage your children to try is practically endless, so no matter what type of personality or preferences your child has, it is possible to find something they enjoy. Ask Dr. Leung for suggestions at your child’s next wellness appointment or give Entirely Kids Pediatrics a call today at 469-425-3600.

[1] https://news.usc.edu/126554/1-in-5-children-in-the-u-s-enter-school-overweight-or-obese-researchers-find/