Guest Post: "Keeping Active Through the Holiday Season With Your Children"

Don’t Let the Holidays Stop You From Physical Activity:

Keeping Active Through the Holiday Season With Your Children

By Dan Gilbert

(Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: the most trusted preschool in early childhood education)

Health experts maintain that young children should engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day. 

However, studies have shown that kids today are eschewing exercise in favor of more sedentary entertainment. This trend combined with a poor diet has resulted in what many scientists believe is an obesity epidemic. 

In fact, recent statistics regarding childhood obesity are nothing short of startling. For example, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that between 16 to 33 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are obese, with the number over 30 percent in at least 30 states. 
Get Started During the Holiday 

As is the case with many obstacles, the first step toward a healthier lifestyle is often the hardest. However, while developing a daily exercise routine can be difficult under normal circumstances, the holiday break provides an excellent opportunity to start a young child on the path of physical fitness. 

Studies have shown that children who develop basic motor skills such as throwing, catching, jumping, and running are more likely to mature into healthy and fit adults. Research also shows that daily exercise can also translate into better academic results. Building physical fitness and dexterity are essential aspects of healthy growth and development. 
Adult Guidance

With many physical activities, it is important for children to have the advice and guidance of an adult. Proper development of skills and technique can help avoid injury and stress on the body as well as increase results. Once they are familiar with the fundamentals of various play sports, they can subsequently practice and refine their skills on their own. 

Adults can also provide motivation and support for children who may not be inclined to be physically active on their own. Helping them understand the importance of exercise and how it affects their body, mind, and health will further encourage them to be active. 
Family Activities

The following is a list of tips and advice to get your family into an active lifestyle:

• Before engaging in any physical activity, find a location appropriate to the exercise or sport you wish to play.

• Confirm the availability of supplies that are appropriate for your child's age. Much like academics require books, pencils, and paper, sports require the right equipment to ensure safety and enjoyment. 

• Variety is key. Children can be capricious, and having an abundant supply of balls, hoola hoops, jump ropes, bean bags, racquets, and other supplies can keep your child engaged and willing to exert energy.

• Be sure the equipment is soft and lightweight.

• Participate. Serve as a role model and teach them the value of fitness and teamwork. 

• Be creative. A piece of sidewalk chalk can turn a driveway into a hopscotch area. Blowing and chasing bubbles can turn a grassy knoll into a verdant wonderland. Set aside furniture and turn your living room into a dance floor. 

• Remember to encourage your child and positively reinforce athletic accomplishments. Cater your activities to their level and let them acquire skills incrementally. If they feel a sense of achievement, they will be more likely to continue on. Frustration, on the other hand, will lead to disinterest and the desire to quit. This is why it is vital to be a supportive coach as they develop and learn.

Physical activity is not only a gateway to better fitness and health, it is an essential part of the human condition. From the day we are born we learn to craw, walk, run and play, and it is of little surprise that when we cease to be active are bodies start to deteriorate. The holidays provide more time for you to spend with your children and focus on developing good exercise habits before more indolent behaviors can take root. Use the time off to teach your child a sport and the joy of an active lifestyle.

Submitted by Dan Gilbert on behalf of Primrose Schools. For over 25 years, they have helped individuals achieve higher levels of success by providing them with an AdvancED® accredited, early child care services and education.  Through an accelerated Balanced Learning® curriculum, Primrose Schools students are exposed to a widely diverse range of subject matter giving them a much greater opportunity to develop mentally, physically and socially. Dan has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.