One of the greatest things you can do for your child is to foster physical
activity. Study after study has shown that increased physical activity
increases insulin sensitivity, reduces blood pressure, improves cholesterol
levels, enhances mood and self-image, and improves brain function. In other
words, physical activity can help your child to be a happier, more satisfied,
and better functioning adolescent.
But getting that future coach potato up and moving may be easier said than
done. Video and computer games as well as television vie for a child’s
attention. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 43
percent of students in grades 9-12 watch more than two hours of television
every day. That doesn’t sound too alarming, but consider it in the context of a
study reported in a 1985 issue of Pediatrics. According to the study,
each additional hour of TV viewing per week translates into a two percent increase
in the likelihood of becoming obese—in other words, if your child watches two
hours of TV every day of the week (14 hours) they’re 28 percent more likely to
be obese. But it’s not just sitcoms and cartoons. Computers and video games
have the same effect.
So how can you increase a child’s activity levels?
Start Young
It’s much easier to establish a good habit now rather than break a bad habit
later. If you have a child younger than five, you’ve no doubt noticed the
incredible energy levels they have. Foster that energy. Realize that just
because your child is active and energetic doesn’t necessarily mean they have
ADHD—they’re just kids! Do your best to keep up with them and let them play.
Within limits. Remember, you’re also responsible to mold these little people
into responsible members of the community. You can teach them to be respectful
and aware of appropriate play times without endangering the good habit of
physical activity.
When a child is very young it is also important to begin to develop their
coordination skills. It wasn’t too long ago that this little one discovered the
process of rolling over. Don’t expect them to be able to go out for a long one
just yet. Rolling and stopping a ball can graduate into throwing and catching.
Crawling, walking, and hopping can grow into running and jumping. As your child
grows in coordination skills and strength, more options will be available.