Fostering a lifelong love for movement and physical activity is a common objective for parents and caregivers. Unfortunately, less than 24% of American children between the ages of 6 and 17 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
The good news is that when children develop an early love for movement, it often persists throughout their lives. To ensure that your child continues to engage in enough exercise as they grow older, it is crucial to establish a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of movement during their early years.
Continue reading to explore how a love for movement starts at home, discover ideas for inspiring young children to embrace physical activity, and understand why physically active children tend to become active adults.
The Roots of a Love for Movement Begin at Home
The foundation you establish with young children plays a vital role in their overall well-being.
According to Denise Woodall-Ruff, MD, a Pediatrician and Director of the Healthy Weight & Wellness Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, children tend to imitate the behaviors of their parents and significant role models when it comes to various lifestyle habits, including physical activity and fitness.
“A child who observes a parent or role model engaging in a healthy level of physical activity is more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves,” she explains. Conversely, a child who witnesses their caregiver spending prolonged periods sitting on the couch and engaging in sedentary behaviors is more likely to accept these behaviors as the norm.
Natasha Trentacosta, MD, a Pediatric and Adult Sports Medicine Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, concurs. She emphasizes that parents, caregivers, and educators serve as role models for young children, as kids look up to them to set an example of how to navigate life.
“Children who regularly see their parents participating in sports and fitness activities are more likely to follow suit, especially as screen time increases and physical activity decreases among young children,” Trentacosta remarks. Establishing healthy habits early in life will leave a lasting impact as they mature.
Inspiring a Love of Movement in Early Childhood
The key to instilling a love of movement from an early age is to prioritize fun. Just like adults, children are less likely to be enthusiastic about something they don’t enjoy. Moreover, if they are having fun, they are more likely to crave more of it, allowing them to practice skills and enhance their abilities.
“Every child is unique, and some naturally gravitate towards exercise and physical activity more than others,” explains John Gallucci Jr., DPT, ATC, and CEO of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy.
Therefore, it is crucial to identify activities that your child finds enjoyable and transform them into opportunities that encourage them to move more. “Children, especially young kids, should not perceive exercise as a chore,” emphasizes Gallucci.
As children grow older and become more involved in organized sports, it is important to remember that while some children may thrive in structured sports and competition, others may not. Embrace a broader definition of movement that includes family walks, impromptu living room dance parties, tree climbing, yoga, or any other activities they find pleasure in.
Engaging children in movement and physical activity from a young age increases the likelihood that they will reap the benefits early on, and their interest in exercise is likely to continue growing as they develop.
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