Children and Physical Activity

According to the American Heart Association, 71,300,000 Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.

There is no cure for coronary heart disease but studies have shown that regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, regular physical activity has been linked to the reduction of many of the chronic diseases of adulthood including hypertension and cancer of the colon. Studies have also revealed that the prevention of coronary heart disease and the promotion of a lifelong love of physical activity begin in childhood. So what is the magic formula to raising children that enjoy physical activity? A pinch of fun, a dash of self-confidence, and a sprinkling of family and friends.

Be a Positive Role Model

Parent’s attitudes toward physical activity have a direct influence on the attitudes of their children. The best way to be a positive role model is to embrace physical fitness yourself. Children raised in a physically active environment will have a natural tendency toward the same behavior.

If you find it difficult to stick to a strict physical activity plan, do something as simple as joining the children when you send them out to play. Take a ten-minute break out of your busy day to play a brisk game of jump rope or join them in a leisurely hike. This message could be both positive to your children and therapeutic for you.

Even those of us aerobically challenged can set a good example. Parking far away from the grocery market and happily chirping that the exercise will be fun sends a positive message. Just remember not to groan out loud.

Friends are Important Too

Statistics reveal that the attitudes of your children’s friends will influence their perception and participation rate of physical activity. Though you can’t pick your children’s friends for them, you can encourage favorable behavior. Resist the urge to become that popular house where the neighborhood kids gather to watch television, play video games, and raid the refrigerator. Instead, encourage the children to play actively with friends by pointing out the fun activities that can only be shared by a group like tag, kickball, or four-square.

You can also encourage your child to take a leadership role on the school playground by initiating a game of kickball, catch, or tag. You can do your part by ensuring that the school encourages these types of physical recess activities by providing the students with the proper equipment and space.

Instill Confidence

Children gain confidence by becoming competent in many activities and proficient in a few. You can achieve this by providing the opportunity, support, and encouragement with a variety of activities. One season try soccer, the next interpretive dance. Follow your child’s interests. Stick with the one or two activities where there is a genuine interest and proficiency while continuing to expose them to new activities throughout their childhoods. Allowing them to explore their personal talents will help to nurture a lifelong love.

Take the Emphasis off of Competition

One reason that participation in sports declines as children grow older is the emphasis placed on competition. Fun and skill development rather than winning are the primary reasons that most young people participate in physical activity and sports programs. To instill a passion for physical activity that will carry into adulthood it is best to place the emphasis on noncompetitive sports like swimming, bicycle riding or jumping rope; activities children consider play.

As Close as Your Own Back Yard

One of the best ways to instill a passion for physical activity is simply to provide children with a safe place to be active like a play area set aside in the yard with appealing activities or a neighborhood playground that they can visit regularly. Provide a few balls, bats and jump ropes and they are well on their way to a fun day and a positive message about staying physically active.

~Kim Simonovitch