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How to Use Physical Activities to Help Boost Your Kids' Development and Wellbeing

As a parent, you are constantly thinking of ways to support the wellbeing of your kids. The tools they get to develop are largely provided by you, especially in the infant years. Finding ways to keep activities interesting is an obstacle to overcome, and that is why there is value in finding variety in what you choose to do. This post takes a look at how to use physical activities to boost development and wellbeing.

Why Do Kids Need Physical Activity?

Kids need physical activity for the same reasons that adults do, to stay fit and healthy and protect their mental health too. Without exercise or gentle movement, children are more prone to depression, obesity, self-isolation, self-esteem issues, and falling behind with essential skills and muscle or bone development. So, exercise in any form should be encouraged and instilled as a healthy habit rather than a begrudged obligation.

The Fresh Air Effect

Going outside into nature has a lot of benefits for children and adults. So much so that the simple act of setting off for a walk in nature is enough of an activity to make a difference in your children’s wellbeing. There is a natural calming effect to being outside that organically permeates the mindset which translates into a heightened sense of relaxation and lessened anxiety, and it is an interesting way to inspire some physical activity too. Walking is not the only option, of course. You can do plenty of physical tasks in the open air.

Fun, Out of the Box Activities to Try

There are lots of ways to get your kids moving without having it drag or become a bore. Creating a fun activity to engage with, that involves parents too is a bonding experience and models healthy behavior while simultaneously ticking the box of a care need. Here are some ideas for diverse activities to mix things up and try to engage kids with physical activities.

  1. Take a look at these outdoor batting cage kits. You are no doubt familiar with the Hollywood trope of a kid out with their parent at a batting cage or hanging out hitting some baseballs. Well, there is some truth in this trope in that it does provide a fun activity for all ages. It supports essential dexterity skills, and coordination too while working all the muscles and providing a healthy workout.
  2. You could also try outdoor swimming. It is easy to find safe lakes and nature spots to swim in and as long as your child is water confident, the combination of nature and physical activity is sure to be a big hit.
  3. What kid does not enjoy a scavenger hunt? For younger kids, these could be themed, for example, a pirate treasure hunt, and for older kids, you could incorporate smartphone clues to make it more appealing.
  4. Throw your own rookie Olympics with your children and their friends. You can even ask the other parents for support to make it a collaborative project. This can fill a whole afternoon or take place over a number of days. Let the kids try out a range of new exercises that they may not yet have been exposed to and not only will you be supporting their development, but they may find a new passion at the same time.

Physical activity is an essential part of every child’s existence. To develop properly, they need to learn how to look after themselves and listen to their body while engaging in appropriate exercise. Empowering children by scattering seeds of inspiration is a job for every parent.