Children have high levels of energy that need to be expended, and the benefits of physical activity are critical to a child’s physical and mental growth. Children who are physically active tend to do better in school, have longer attention spans, and have fewer behavioral problems. Being physically active also helps children to:
- Develop strong bones
- Develop gross and fine motor skills
- Build strength, endurance, and flexibility
- Build confidence
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Decrease stress levels
- Improve social skills
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve posture
- Improve concentration
- Improve sleep
Lack of or not enough physical activity can lead to several health issues for young children. A lack of exercise can lead to weight gain or excessive body fat, high blood pressure, bone health problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Active children tend to have fewer chronic health issues, are less likely to get sick, and have a greatly reduced risk of developing diseases or illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
Being physically active now will benefit children throughout their lives, so integrating exercise into a young child’s everyday routine is crucial. If you’re wondering how to promote physical activity in childcare or need ideas for physical activities for preschoolers in the classroom, read on for some ideas!