Physical exercise will keep your family fit in mind and body.
January is traditionally the time when we parents kick start our health regime. Are you one of those people who's vowed to get fitter in 2011?
Children are often naturally more active than adults - wouldn't it be great if we could help them carry that passion for action through until adult life? We all know it's important that our children keep active for the physical benefits, but there are less obvious benefits to be had as well.
Doing exercise works wonders for your self esteem - your sense of feeling good in yourself, and confidence in your own self worth. But sports don't have to be all about winning - learning how to lose gracefully at sports will teach your child a lot too. And many activities are worth doing just for the fun of the game, so that winning or losing doesn't come in to it. Your child can learn to take pride in what their body can do; to push themselves past what they thought they could achieve; to enjoy being a part of a team and contributing to the over all good.
Exercise can also help behavioural problems, by helping build persistence, focus and concentration skills. It can improve your child's mood, give them an outlet to express their frustrations and help them sleep better.
What if your child's not keen on sports?
I know both of my children started going off PE at school from around age 7 - too much running round a field which they found dull. If this happens, it's important to look around and find an activity that your child will enjoy enough to want to keep doing. It could be anything from cycling to swimming to walking the dog, dancing or playing an active game such as Wii Fit. Or just leave the car at home for shorter journeys you know you could walk. The best way to encourage your child to be more active is to be more active yourself.
Find out which classes are available in your area, and be prepared to try something new - many activities will offer the first class free to see if your child likes it and wants to come back. Last year both of my under 10s enjoyed a martial arts-style self defence class run at our local gym. I would use the gym whilst they did their class, and we would both laugh at each other's sweaty faces at the end of it all. And while they do moan when I refuse to take the car because I stress walks are fun, the grumbles are subsiding. I want my children to think of exercise as part of their life, rather than something that only happens in a PE lesson. The benefits are too good for that.
Useful links:
- Suggections for self esteem activities for children
- A study by teachers finds that physical exercise promotes children's learning and development
- A dad's guide to building your daughter's self esteem
What sort of activity does your family enjoy? Have you noticed a change in your child's behaviour as a result?
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mum
21 January, 2011
I wholeheartedly agree. Also, I think being involved in organised sport does wonders for social skills. I competed in athletics from a young age, and always knew people of all ages and backgrounds. I'm still friends now with an older girl I trained with as a child and through adolescence (actually she's the coach I spoke to for the ready for ten post I did on athletics!)
As you say though, sport doesn't have to be organised and competitive, there are plenty of activities that are just for fun. Roller discos were big back in the day!
expert
21 January, 2011
Thank you for your comment Kath. I think there is a danger that PE lessons can put some kids off, and lead to them growing up thinking "I'm not a sporty person" - I know this happened to me, and it's quite a hard mindset to shift.
I wish roller discos would come back too! I got some inline skates from a car boot sale so I can relive my rollergirl youth.
mum
21 January, 2011
I've just been listening to a piece on Women's Hour about girls getting involved in street cheer classes - trying someting a bit different can work for kids who think they don't like P.E.
admin
03 January, 2012
I'm definately one of those parents who vows to get more active in the forthcoming year, and I must admit I don't always see it through to December. I have made a pact with my children that we will get outside and do "something" everyday, whether it be a walk with our dog, a short walk along the beach, a trip to the park etc. Thanks for sharing the great self esteem activities for children - some good ideas here some of which I'm surprised (and pleased) to say we already do, and some I hadn't thought of which we can put on the list.
Leigh
Ready for Ten Team
admin
21 February, 2012
I echo you on roller discos, Joanne! They used to be on in every leisure centre near me when I was young. I did go to a grown up one in London a few years ago though, believe it or not!
My 3 year old loves swimming, 'scootering' and running in the park so far.. time for cycling soon?! I do feel bad if we haven't done any of the above every couple of days, so I'm making a mental note now to be more motivated and to leave some of the household chores until the evening, just to make sure my kids are as active as possible. It's so great to know that a lot of their activities are 'good self esteem-inducing' too!
Sue
Ready For Ten Team