We’ve always known the benefits of exercise. But in a world where everything is nearly instant and digital has become king, the power of movement is losing its spotlight. As parents, it is our responsibility to encourage children to move, amid a culture of screen time and getting holed up at home due to the pandemic.
Movement practices must meet three categories - locomotor like running or hopping; manipulative or object control (for example, catching and throwing); and stability such as balancing and twisting.
Here are several reasons why we all have to keep moving– and how to incorporate this necessity in our children’s daily routine.
Movement is essential for brain development
The power of the brain heavily relies on physical movement, according to several studies. In fact, brain cell connections “are lost or pruned away as a result of limited activity or stimulation,” according to Pennsylvania State University Extension Research.
“Scientists have determined that the neurons for vision begin sending messages back and forth rapidly at two to four months of age, peaking in intensity at eight months. Babies begin to take much more notice of the world during this period. If a child misses this opportunity, that does not mean that the child will be impaired, but her brain may not develop circuitry to its full potential, or optimal development, in that area,” the article added.
The nervous system also doesn’t mature until age 20, so it is necessary to provide avenues for movements for kids, even adolescents and young adults.
Start early by giving your infant a baby gym, which encourages kicking movements and letting them use their arms to grasp rattles and other stimulating accessories.
Adventurous toddlers can meanwhile have hours of fun with a climbing arch or learn about balance with a safe seesaw. Teens can choose from a variety of sports or fun dance classes.
Movement helps them develop life skills
Whether it promotes locomotor, object control, or stability, every movement helps your child have a better future. Better balance makes them confident, love for sports gives them discipline, and clearer brain function helps them decide more rationally.
Exposure to various forms of movement also vastly improves their fundamental movement skills later in life, according to a study.
Teach children sportsmanship and analytical skills with light up bowling sets (plus it’s a good bonding time, too).
Give them an opportunity to be less fearful of heights with a toy slide, learn to find their balance with a balance bike, or have your school kid enjoy the science of aerodynamics with a scooter.
It prevents obesity
Yes, chubby kids are cute. But what if those extra fats put your child in health danger? If your child is overweight, you have to intervene early to avoid other health risks associated with obesity.
The Department of Health, quoting the World Health Organization, said “obese children are more likely to stay obese into adulthood and to develop noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.”
But if you start them young, there are better chances of them leading active lives.
Find trial lessons to see what sport best suits them. You may also play the classic catch a ball or tag game with your toddler, while making it child-proof with giant play mats.
Helps reduces anxiety and improves focus
Movement does not need to be rough and rowdy. Kids can enjoy yoga, which according to a study in Malaysia, “appears to be an effective modality for helping children cope with stress and anxiety.”
In another study, it was found that children with autism who had biweekly sessions of movement therapy “spent less time wandering, more time showing on‐task behavior, less time showing negative responses to being touched, and less time resisting the teacher.”
Encourage movement among infants with a safe play area that you can fill with clean balls, while young kids may be enticed with climbing activities or monkey bars.
Movement is good for any age, and we know that since it’s monkey see, monkey do, it would be nice to engage in physical activities as a parent, too. Start logging your movement and push yourself to do more with a monitor watch.
