Sixty minutes - that's how much physical activity kids
should get each day. But as kids get older, increasing demands on
their time can make getting a full hour of exercise a challenge.
And some kids get caught up in sedentary pursuits like
watching TV and surfing the Internet. Even doing a lot of studying
and reading, while important, can contribute to inadequate
physical activity.
Meanwhile, during these years kids often come to a fork in the
road with sports. Those who are athletic might end up increasing
their time and commitment to sports, which is great for their
physical fitness. But more casual athletes may lose interest and
decide to quit teams and leagues. Unless they find replacement
activities, their physical activity levels can go way down.
But being active is a key component of good health for all
school-age kids. It will strengthen their muscles and bones and
ensure that their bodies are capable of doing normal kid stuff,
like lifting a backpack or running a race. It also will help
control their weight and decrease their risk of
chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure and type 2
diabetes.
So how do you get kids motivated to be active, especially those
who aren't natural athletes?
Kids can be fit even if they're not winning sports
trophies. The key is finding activities they enjoy. The options are
many - from inline skating and bike riding to tennis and
swimming.
When kids find an activity that's fun, they'll do it a
lot, get better at it, feel accomplished, and want to do it even
more. Likewise, if they're pushed into activities they
don't like, they're unlikely to want to participate and
will end up feeling frustrated.
Keep to the Basics for 6- to 8-Year-Olds
Expose younger kids to a variety of activities, games, and
sports. Keep the focus on fun. A mix of activities at home and at
school is often ideal, and be sure to include some free time for
kids to make their own decisions about what to do.
At this age, kids are still mastering fundamental physical
skills, such as jumping, throwing, kicking, and catching. It will
take a few more years before most can combine these skills the way
many 11-year-olds can (for instance, being able to scoop up a
baseball, run toward the base, and throw the ball - all in one
fluid motion). So if your child is on a sports team, make sure you
and the coaches are setting realistic expectations.
Such expectations are also important when it comes to how much
kids can handle mentally. Younger kids often are not ready for the
pressure of competition, nor can they grasp complex strategy. Look
for teams, leagues, and classes that stress the basics and provide
encouragement and praise for kids as they improve their skills.
Done correctly, team sports and other group activities can teach
kids a lot about teamwork and good sportsmanship.
9- to 12-Year-Olds Are More Coordinated
Older school-age kids usually have mastered basic skills and can
start enjoying the benefits of being more coordinated. That means a
kid who likes basketball isn't wildly throwing the ball at the
basket anymore, but is perfecting the free throw.
They're also better able to understand the rules. Parents of
kids involved in team sports might want to talk about handling
setbacks and losses, and remind kids that sports should still be
fun even as competition heats up.
Whether it's soccer or dance, if your child doesn't
enjoy an activity or feels frustrated by failure, it may be time to
switch to something else. That doesn't mean the time spent on
those endeavors was wasted. Instead, ask what activities your child
would like to try next. Achieving this transition smoothly, without
making a child feel like a failure, can prevent negative feelings
about sports and physical activity in general.
Help Kids Find Their Niche
When choosing activities, consider a child's interests,
abilities, and body type. A bigger child might be suited for
football because size is an advantage. A smaller child might
succeed at baseball or might consider a non-team sport.
Also, consider temperament. A mild-mannered boy who might not be
comfortable playing football may like the challenge of karate.
Likewise, an active girl may not have the patience and control
required for ballet, but is well-suited to a more fast-paced
activity, like soccer.
Personality traits and athletic ability combine to influence a
child's attitude toward participation in sports and other
physical activities. Which of these three types best describes your
child?
The nonathlete:
This child may lack athletic ability, lack interest in physical
activity, or both. By this age, kids are aware of these differences
and some may have even been teased about them. The danger for them
is not leaving one activity that didn't work out; it's
abandoning all physical activity altogether.
The casual athlete:
This child is is interested in being active but is not a star
player and is at risk of getting discouraged in a competitive
athletic environment. Most kids fall into this category, but in a
culture that is obsessed with winning, it's easy to overlook
them as athletes. Encourage them to remain active even though they
aren't top performers.
The athlete:
This child has athletic ability, is committed to a sport or
activity, and is likely to ramp up practice time and intensity of
competition. Some kids are happily settled in a sport or activity
by the older school-age years. In this case, a parent can continue
to support the child's efforts while watching for any changes.
It's important to ensure that kids manage schoolwork, get
enough rest, and still enjoy the sport. Continue to let your child
try out new things and enjoy a variety of physical activities.
Parents Can Make a Difference
No matter what your child's fitness personality, remember
that he or she looks to you for guidance and needs your support and
encouragement. Also it's important to set a good example, so
don't groan about your own exercise, and look for chances to be
physically active as a family.
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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