Exercise should be fun, not a chore. It’s important that kids participate in fun and challenging activities that help build skills and coordination but aren’t beyond their abilities. Healthy, physically active kids are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful.
- Race them around the block
When you come home after daycare, race your kids around the block, or up and down the street a few times (if safe). This is guaranteed to make running more exciting for little ones, and can also help you get fit at the same time.
- Throw a footy at the park
On the weekend, drive to a nice park or the local beach to change up the scenery, and kick a footy around. This is a great way to spend some active and quality time with the whole family. You can even bring a few healthy snacks and have picnic and have a swing on the playground.
- Walk the dog
Walking the dog is a great way for your child to interact with their surroundings. Find a great trail near your house and go for a stroll before sundown. If they are still too young for longer walks, put your little one in a stroller and go for a 30-minute walk to get fresh air and allow your child to absorb everything in the environment around them. And if they want to walk around for a bit, encourage them.
- Be spontaneous
While watching TV, during the commercial breaks, jump up and start doing star jumps, push-ups, balance on one foot and hold a bridge, alternating every break. Have little competitions to see who can hold their bridge or balance for the longest. This will make what is usually a monotonous activity, fun and stimulating.
- Set up a treasure hunt
If it’s a public holiday or weekend, and it’s raining outside, children can get pretty restless throughout the day, so a treasure hunt is a creative exercise that the kids will love. Hide treasures around the house and help them clues to their location. Treasures can be a DVD and popcorn, their favourite board game, or even the materials for a Montessori DIY activity. Treasure hunts are a great activity for a larger group of kids, as well.
Being active early on in life is the base for children’s development. At Beverly Hills Montessori Christian Long Day Care Centre, we pride ourselves on the active education we give our kids at a young age, which allows them to develop their personalities, bodies, and brains, all while making friends and having fun.
