From Tummy Time to Team Sports

According to WHO, (World Health Organization) the definition of physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Unfortunately, it has been proven that physical inactivity increases risk of noncommunicable diseases and other poor health outcomes, posing a burden on the healthcare systems and lowering the quality of life of once person. Research indicates that inactive children are likely to become inactive adults so, it is important to encourage exercise and keeping fit from a young age.

 

HOW IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BENEFICIAL FOR CHILDREN?

For babies and infants, exercise is pivotal for their muscles, bones and joints. Crawling, grasping, tummy time and pushing or pulling movements help them build muscles, as well as for posture, balance and coordination.

 

For Toddlers it’s recommended that they should be active for at least three hours a day. This can include playing, running, climbing and light activity like walking or even just standing. Aside this helping their musculoskeletal system, it also helps their cognitive development, the building of a strong immune system and the maintenance of a healthy weight.

 

As for Children and teenagers, it is recommended that they have about an hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day. Aside the benefits listed above, their mental health will also benefit from it as exercise releases endorphins and increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which all help improve a child’s self-esteem, increase their concentration, lower stress and encourage a better night’s sleep. Team sports at this age can also help children improve their social skills, improve confidence and communication skills and develop personal strengths like resilience, discipline, concentration and co-ordination.

 

WHAT ARE THE THING THAT CAN AFFECT A CHILD’S ABILITY TO EXERCISE?

Despite all the benefits, many children drift away from sport and exercise as they grow. The World Health Organization estimates that globally, 85% of adolescent girls and 78% of boys don’t do enough physical activity. A particular reason for this has not been found but patterns can be studied to lead us to an answer.

 

As children grow, they start to go through puberty, which causes an enormous shift of energy into the building of muscle, bone, neural connections and sexual maturity. This means there will be less energy left for sports and exercise, which eventually causes a noticeable dip in motivation. It has been shown that this typically begins earlier in girls than boys because they start to mature at an earlier age.

 

As children grow, school becomes more demanding and their reliance on technology begins to increase. The time that could be spent exploring outdoors, riding bikes or playing sports are used on phones and social media. All this, causes them to want to explore other past times or spend more time socialising with friends, pushing sport and exercise down the list of priorities.

 

HOW CAN PARENT PARTICIPATE IN THEIR CHILDREN’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

• They can lead by example by showing them how it’s done and by making it a part of the family routine.
• Mix it up and offer different types of activity to keep it interesting.
• Focus on feel-good activities that boost confidence.
• Listen to find out what their child enjoys or what interests them and tailor activities to fit.

As said before, inactive children are more likely to be inactive adults. A decline in motivation and physical activity is natural but, with the help of parents and guardians, children can continue to get the exercise they need to maintain and improve their health, now and far into the future.