Help Your Kids Stay Healthy: Keep Moving Every Day!
April 5, 2024
Categories: Children's Health, Community Health
In the digital age, it can be difficult for parents to incorporate physical activities into their kids’ daily lives. Long screen times in front of computers, phones, tablets or televisions can have negative effects on children’s mental and physical health. A good start is to limit screen time based on your child’s age and needs when it comes to technology. The same challenges adults face when it comes to daily exercise can also impact children. Busy work or school schedules can leave less time for exercise and physical activities.
1. Limit screen time.
“Children 6 years and older should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most days. Younger kids should get their exercise from free play,” said Dr. Vanessa Martinez, a pediatrician at Trinity Health Medical Group, Primary Care & Pediatrics - Rockford. Regular physical activity can help with your child’s confidence, their sleep routine, reduce stress and anxiety and help them focus. If you are struggling to find an activity your kid enjoys or find it hard to make a daily habit, make it part of your whole family’s routine.
2. Schedule regular exercise time as a family.
Take a brisk walk after dinner as part of your family’s routine. Pick a weekend day or weeknight for a hike or bike ride. This is a simple-to-plan weekly event everyone in your household can look forward to! The more fun the activities are, the more likely you and your kids are to stay engaged and keep moving. Also, be sure to give family members choices and encourage them to try new things together.
“Children are like sponges; they absorb what is in their environment. Kids of physically active parents will grow up to be physically active adults,” said Dr. Martinez. Creating these active routines will create lifelong, healthy habits for your kids. This can be used as family bonding time and can even include pets. Small changes can also add up in your daily lives. Maybe walking to things close by instead of driving places. Try picking a parking spot that is a longer walk to the door, or taking the stairs over using elevators.
3. Team sports help build teamwork skills.
Outside of family activities, organized sports are another great option to get kids involved and active. Sports can also help build teamwork skills. If your child is interested in one or more sports, this helps them stay moving for practices and games daily or weekly, while making new friends and socializing. Try not to “over-schedule” children with too many sports, leaving them to feel overwhelmed with schoolwork and other responsibilities.
If you think your child may not be getting as much physical activity as they need for their age, some signs to notice can include weight gain, poor sleep, irritability, isolation or not being able to keep up with other kids when playing together. A balanced diet is also important to support your child’s health.
Plenty of fruits and vegetables along with drinking water every day are important for your child’s growth and development. Parents should discuss any concerns about their child’s health with a pediatrician.
Start your child’s health journey with Trinity Health Michigan today. Schedule a check-up with your pediatrician.
