Fresh air and movement are vital for the well-being and growth of children, however certain games are also key in education and developing social skills. It’s important for children to partake in play and exercise, however, which is better for keeping children mentally and physically fit and healthy?
Is playtime the key to success?
Studies show us that play is incredibly beneficial for children to learn and develop skills, but is it also a means for physical fitness? Absolutely! Kids play encourages creativity, as well as emotional and physical development. Structured play for your children can include role-playing or games with balls and Frisbees. Allowing your children to play freely in the outdoors, specifically at playgrounds, will also encourage movement. Any game played in the outdoors will promote an active lifestyle and test physical limits!
Does exercise win first place?
Exercise can often be considered a chore as we get older, so it’s important to ensure that fitness for kids is fun. This will encourage the development of healthy habits, and your children will be more inclined to partake in voluntary physical exercise as they grow older. Regular exercise will benefit your children by building strong muscles and bones, assisting with weight control, decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and will release endorphins for a healthy mindset. Forms of exercise you can do with your children include riding bikes, playing ball games, dancing or running obstacle courses. Arranging physically demanding activities will shape your child’s athletic abilities.
Which is best for health & fitness?
So which is better for your children? We say- allow the two to join forces! Play and exercise really go hand-in-hand, especially for children. It’s important to ensure you’re associating exercise with fun from an early age. Find physical activities for kids that are enjoyable, rather than overly strenuous with little reward. This can include playing modified team sports, dancing to music, biking adventures, hopscotch or tag. Combining playtime with exercise is highly beneficial for learning, social skills and fitness for kids. Go outdoors and get active with your kids! Promote fun and fitness for the whole family!