By Shnieka Johnson, museum educator, curriculum designer and independent consultant specializing in museums and schools
Physical education, team sports, and everyday activity are a beneficial part of your child’s development, both physically and psychologically. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for overall health, and it is a well-documented problem for American children.
The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. In addition to the health benefits, physical activity and movement for children fosters growth and development and helps teach them about their world. Physical activity also can be a great outlet for releasing tension and anxiety, and facilitating emotional stability and resilience.
Given these benefits of physical activity, it is clearly important for children to learn healthy habits at a young age. The best solution is for the whole family to be physically active and teach through example. By choosing activities that the family can do together, it will support not only family time, but also physical activity. By promoting physical activity at home, it will likely encourage your child to take part in physical activities at school and in your community.
A few tips are below:
- Set a good example by leading a healthy lifestyle and showing your child how to make healthy choices on a daily basis.
- Find a physical activity of interest to your child, whether an individual or team activity.
- Participate as a family to integrate bonding time with your physical activities.
- Participating in a local Family Fun Run with your child is a great way to be active and philanthropic. These types of activities not only offer opportunities for your child to set and strive for personal goals, but also socialize with others and learn positive people skills. Organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, Wildlife Conservancy Society and many others offer great opportunities in the NY metro area.
- Selecting Extracurricular Activities for Your Child
- Using Art for Therapy
- School Selection: What is the Best Learning Environment for Your Child?
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