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 Physical
Activity
How
can I get my child to be more physically active?
With participation
in all types of physical activity declining dramatically as a child's age
and grade in school increases, it is important that physical activity be a
regular part of family life. Studies have shown that lifestyles learned as
children are much more likely to stay with a person into adulthood. If sports
and physical activities are a family priority, they will provide children
and parents with a strong foundation for a lifetime of health.
Parents can
play a key role in helping their child become more physically active. Following
are 11 ways to get started:
-
Talk
to your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can help your child understand
why physical activity is important. Your pediatrician also can suggest a
sport or activity that is best for your child.
- Find a fun activity.
Help your child find a sport that she enjoys. The more she enjoys the activity,
the more likely it is that she will continue. Get the entire family involved.
It is a great way to spend time together.
- Choose an activity
that is developmentally appropriate. For example, a 7- or 8- year-old
child is not ready for weight lifting or a 3-mile run, but soccer, bicycle
riding, and swimming are all appropriate activities.
- Plan ahead. Make
sure your child has a convenient time and place to exercise.
- Provide a safe environment.
Make sure your child's equipment and chosen site for the sport or activity
are safe. Make sure your child's clothing is comfortable and appropriate.
- Provide active toys.
Young children especially need easy access to balls, jump ropes, and other
active toys.
- Be a model for your
child. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical
activity are more likely to do so themselves.
- Play with your child.
Help her learn a new sport.
- Turn off the TV.
Limit television watching and computer use. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of total screen time, including TV, videos,
and computers and video games, each day. Use the free time for more physical
activities.
- Make time for exercise.
Some children are so overscheduled with homework, music lessons, and other
planned activities that they do not have time for exercise.
- Do not overdo it.
When your child is ready to start, remember to tell her to listen to her body.
Exercise and physical activity should not hurt. If this occurs, your child
should slow down or try a less vigorous activity. As with any activity, it
is important not to overdo it. If your child's weight drops below an average,
acceptable level, or if exercise starts to interfere with school or other
activities, talk with your pediatrician.
Remember
There is a powerful relationship
between childhood obesity and lifelong weight and related medical problems.
Exercise along with a
balanced diet provides the foundation for a healthy, active life. One of the
most important things parents can do is encourage healthy habits in their
children early on in life. It is not too late to start. Ask your pediatrician
about tools for healthy living today.
Published online: 3/07
Source: Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active (Copyright ©
2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your School-Age
Child: Ages 5 to 12. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
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The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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