As parents, we all want our little ones to grow up into the happiest, healthiest little individuals they can be. However, you’ll have recognised by now that as your child is constantly growing and changing, new challenges are constantly arising. And one of the challenges that you will come across in raising your child is ensuring that they are getting enough physical activity for their age.

So, if you’re wondering how to ensure your school-age child stays physically healthy, then we’re here to give you some tips!

How can I ensure my school-age child stays healthy?

Through physical activity:

Physical education

There are different types of physical activities that will help your child stay physically healthy. The first step is to find out just how much physical exercise your child is getting at school every day, and what sorts of activities they are engaged in. For example, gym class or recess. Once you have a better understanding of this, you’ll be able to think about what you can do to ensure they are getting enough physical activity, too.

Family activities

Modelling good behaviour and encouraging physical activity is an important role for a parent. This is because school districts tend to differ widely when it comes to how much physical education they offer. Try organising family activities like bike rides or walks. Encourage outdoor chores like shovelling or raking leaves. Above all, try to incorporate a sense of fun into the mix, as this will motivate your child to want to get active.

Toys

Giving your child toys that encourage them to move is another way you can help with their physical health. For example, you could give them a kite, a scooter, or a jump rope.

Explore organised sports

Organised sports such as ballet classes, soccer, basketball, or gymnastics, are a fantastic way to help your child progress with their physical abilities while keeping physically healthy. The wonderful thing about organised sports is that there are so many to choose from! If your child doesn’t take to one, there is always another for them to try. They are also great for being sociable and making friends, so your child will benefit from this aspect, too.

Friendly activity

Your child may find being physically active more enjoyable if it is combined with socialising. So, try inviting some of their friends over to play outside. Or, suggest that you exercise or do yoga together.

Morning commute

It may seem simple, but the morning commute is a great excuse for your child to become more active. Try out walking with them to school, or even riding there on bikes.

Puberty

Your child is reaching an age where they are probably starting to change physically. This means that depending on how quickly they are growing and developing, they might be less or more strong than their peers. You should be mindful of the different stages of development your child might be at to that of others, and take this into account while choosing an activity or sport for them. If you feel your child isn’t as strong or fast as other children yet, then rest assured that their growth spurt will come at some point.

Exercise and self-esteem

At this stage in your child’s life, it’s important you do everything you can to help them feel comfortable within their own body. While encouraging them to exercise and take part in regular activity is good, as it can help them feel comfortable with their own body, it’s also important that they understand the physical changes they are going through. Make sure they know about the changes that are happening to them, such as stronger body odour, growing pubic hair, having acne, and sweating more.

Exercise and academics

Studies show us that there is a clear link between physical activity and improved academic performance, with recent reports demonstrating that children often perform cognitive tasks better once they have participated in a session of physical activity. This is why it’s so important to encourage your child to exercise or play actively before doing their homework or studying.

Discouraging inactivity

While the television or computer can be good entertainment for your child, it’s important that you limit the amount of time they are using these devices. Studies show that children who spend most of their time in sedentary activities end up having poor motor coordination skills. So, keep an eye on how long your child is spending on electronic devices, and make sure they are remaining inactive for no more than an hour at a time.

Takeaway Points:

Your child is constantly growing and changing, which means that new challenges are constantly arising. One of these challenges is ensuring they are engaging in enough physical activity for their age.

There are lots of ways you can help your child stay physically healthy. For example, by involving them in family activities, exploring organised sports, walking or biking on the morning commute, and discouraging inactivity.

How can I help my school-age child stay physically healthy?

Take our Learning The Strokes Unii Journey and help keep your child physically active.