Many people say that play is the work of children, but what they may not realize is just how essential play is to growing children. Children use play as a way of exploring their environment and developing skills. Play is needed for the development of the whole child — for healthy physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth.
Preschoolers benefit greatly from physically active play. In addition to aiding physical development, such as refinement of gross and fine motor skills, improved balance and endurance, greater strength, coordination and flexibility, physical activity has many mental health benefits as well. It reduces the incidence of anxiety and depression and alleviates stress. Regular physical play may also reduce behavioral problems, improve sleep and provide an outlet for emotions.
Physical play is also crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. More than 9 million U.S. children are now overweight, triple the number since 1976. You’ve probably heard that children are being diagnosed with diseases usually seen only among adults, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, the latter of which used to be called adult-onset. Additionally, studies have found that physical activity in early childhood increases the strength and amount of bone mass that’s developed.
The following has been outlined by the Centers for Disease Control as benefits of regular physical activity for children:
• Reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem and overall energy level.
• Improves strength and builds endurance.
• Helps build healthy bones, muscles and joints.
• Helps control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat.
• May improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Prevents disease and promotes health.
Engaging your preschooler in regular active play will not only aid in his development and health outcomes, but may also improve behavior and build confidence. Helping your child develop a love of movement now will give him a gift that will benefit him throughout his life.
Keep ThemActive
• Reduce the amount of “screen time” your child has each day. Screen time includes TV, videos, DVDs, computers and videogames. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit the amount of time children watch TV to one or two hours a day and that children
under the age of two watch none.
• Look for toys that encourage movement such as balls, dump trucks, ride-on toys or games like Cranium’s Hullabaloo.
• Keep it fun.
• Set an example by being active yourself.
• Allow plenty of time for unstructured, free-play. Resist theurge to sign your preschooler up for organized sports.
• Turn on music and dance.
• Get outside. Go for a walk or bring your child to the park, playground or beach.
We Suggest Reading:
Your Active Child: How to Boost Physical, Emotional and Cognitive Development Through Age-Appropriate Activity by Rae Pica (McGraw Hill, $5)Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H., is a child development educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk.