Preschoolers can be unstoppable - running, spinning, leaping,
and climbing at every opportunity. Their desire to move, move, move
makes this a great time to cultivate fitness habits that will
last.
Kids need to be fit for the same reasons adults do: to improve
their health and ensure that their bodies can do what they need
them to do. Regular exercise helps kids grow, build strong muscles
and bones, develop important motor skills, and enhance their
feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.
Preschoolers Need to Play
It's a little odd to think about "motivating" a
preschooler to be active. (It's not like thoughts of thinner
thighs or a slimmer belly are going to spur them to the gym for a
workout!) Yet it's important that they stay active for at least
1 hour on most (preferably all) days.
So what should parents and caregivers do? You probably already
know what will motivate this age group best: fun.
To keep active time fun, know what activities are best for your
child's age group and make having a good time the top priority.
For instance, preschoolers might groan if you drag them on a boring
walk around an exercise track. But if you walk through the woods,
stopping to admire nature and tossing rocks into a stream, the walk
is much more appealing.
Understanding which skills your child has - and is working on -
is another key to keeping it fun. You can have a great time kicking
the ball back and forth together, but your child probably
wouldn't have much fun if put into a soccer game with all the
rules enforced.
Away From Home
Also consider kids' opportunities to be active while away
from home. At a child care center or preschool, do kids have access
to a playground or large indoor space for activity? The games and
equipment need not be fancy. Preschool kids are working on skills
such as hopping, balancing on one foot, throwing and catching
balls, pedaling tricycles, and skipping.
They'll enjoy simple games such as catch and tag, riding
bikes, playing with plastic bats and balls, dancing, and tumbling.
And kids still love to play "Duck, Duck, Goose,"
"London Bridge," "I'm a Little Teapot," or
"Simon Says."
The benefits will pay off now and later, according to the
National Association for Sports and Physical Education. When kids
learn basic skills (jumping, throwing, kicking, catching) in the
preschool years, it builds confidence and increases the chances
that they'll continue to be physically active as they grow
up.
Free Time
A little freedom also can motivate preschoolers to be active.
Though some of their physical activity can be structured and led by
a parent or caregiver, it pays to let them take the lead
sometimes.
Encourage free play, which means letting kids choose the
activity and make decisions about what to do - all within a safe
and supervised environment, of course. This could include exploring
the backyard, painting and drawing, doing a puzzle, or
dress-up.
During pretend play, preschoolers often like to take on a
gender-specific role because they are beginning to identify with
members of the same sex. A girl, for instance, might pretend to be
her mother by "working" in the garden, while a boy might
mimic his father by "cutting" the lawn.
One important message here is that your preschooler is clearly
keeping an eye on how you spend your time, so set a good example by
exercising regularly. Your child will pick up on this as something
parents do and will naturally want to do it as well.
Parents Play an Important Role
In addition to being good role models when it comes to exercise,
parents can take these steps to encourage physical activity:
Limit TV and computer time.
When you do, kids often find more active stuff to do. Allow no more
than 1 to 2 hours per day of quality programming. Though lots of
computer programs are marketed to preschoolers, none are necessary
for their development. If you decide to allow computer use,
carefully choose the software and the websites your child can
visit.
Know your child.
Help find activities your child likes and then present many
opportunities to enjoy them. Keep equipment and supplies on hand
and, if possible, within easy reach for your preschooler.
Provide close supervision.
Preschoolers' physical abilities - like climbing to the top of
a playground tower, for instance - often exceed their ability to
judge what's safe and what's dangerous. Likewise, they
don't know when it's time to take a break on a hot day.
It's up to your child to have fun outside. It's up to
you to bring the water bottle, snack, and sunscreen!
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: February 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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