It’s all about play and enjoyment
Not every physical activity has to be competitive to offer benefits. Research consistently suggests that children aged two to five should engage in moderate activity throughout the day, while those between six and 17 require at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily to support their physical growth.
Like many parents, you might find it challenging to find ways to encourage your child to stay active. Jesse Schneider, a kinesiologist and the owner of Sportball Kelowna/Penticton, runs a noncompetitive sports program for children aged 16 months to 12 years, where the focus is on developing motor and social skills along with sports abilities, using imaginative coaching methods and storytelling to keep kids engaged and learning.
Fostering Movement through Imagination
“The most effective way,” Schneider explains, “is to tap into children’s natural imagination and transform everyday tasks into enjoyable activities. Kids love being a part of games and narratives, and once you get them involved in your story, the rest follows effortlessly.”
“For instance,” Schneider recommends, “instead of simply placing dirty clothes in the washer, tell them that LeBron James and the Looney Tunes need help defeating the Hamper of Destruction by tossing in smelly socks (encouraging them to run and slam dunk, or practice their basketball shooting skills). Once you make exercise fun, they’ll want to repeat it often.”
Inspiring the Uncertain and Uninterested
Strong storytelling skills can turn chores into enjoyable tasks, but what about kids who respond with, “I don’t know,” when asked about their interests?
Schneider suggests, “Introducing your child to a variety of activities, such as gymnastics, skating, swimming, skiing, Sportball, or biking, can broaden their motor abilities and physical literacy significantly.” He adds that as your child develops interest in particular activities, you can focus more on those.
Setting an Example as an Active Role Model
My father always said, “Do as I say, not as I do.” But do the actions of a parent truly matter? Are children likely to be active regardless of their parent’s own physical activity level? According to Schneider, research indicates that parents who exhibit a physically active lifestyle greatly encourage their children to adopt similar habits.
“If you display what an active lifestyle looks like, your child is more likely to follow that example,” Schneider states. “It doesn’t need to be anything extreme; just aim to engage in some form of activity a few times a week and make it a priority for both yourself and your family.”
A Tip for Family Activity
“The secret is simply to have fun—purposely,” Schneider shares. “Seek out aspects of your daily life that can be made more enjoyable. Whether it’s at work, during grocery shopping, or while driving, don’t hesitate to be silly with your kids; this makes routine tasks something to look forward to.”
Schneider also recommends linking physical activities with rewards that your child enjoys. For instance, think of a creative game featuring their favorite characters that motivates them to be active, or brainstorm with them to invent a game together. This promotes teamwork, creativity, and strengthens your bond with your child!
“You only have young kids for a short time,” Schneider advises. “Every moment with them is an opportunity to bring joy to each other’s days, and I promise they will cherish these moments for a lifetime.”
Promoting Healthy Gut Health for Activity
Did you know that gut health is connected to your child’s growth and activity levels? Poor gut health can hinder their ability to absorb nutrients, depriving them of the energy they need for healthy development.
Ensure your little one’s digestive system is functioning well with children’s probiotics. These can be found in powdered form to mix into their drinks, chewable tablets, or tasty gummies.
Movement for Lifelong Benefits
The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends limiting screen time to less than one hour a day for children aged two to five, and under two hours for those older than five.
Research indicates that increased screen time is significantly related to obesity risk, depressive symptoms, and lower quality of life. It may also have links to behavioral and learning disabilities. The activity levels in early childhood, along with how we view our identity concerning physical activity, appear to be strong indicators of physical activity levels later in life.
Encourage Involvement and Engage Yourself!
A study examining World War II veterans revealed that the greatest predictor of well-being in later life was having participated in high school sports. Attend your children’s games, practice with them, and show interest not only in the outcomes but also in what they enjoy most about their sports.
