It's easy to see why kids these days are often too involved with watching television, playing video games or playing on the computer. It's what many of the adults in their lives do as well.
The problem is that children need to engage in active play as a part of their development. It helps build physical, social, intellectual and emotional skills.
It's easy to tell yourself that you're doing well by your child to give access to educational television programs and computer games. There's even some truth to that at appropriate ages. But these cannot take the place of what is learned and accomplished with active play. It's a different kind of learning than what is done on a screen.
Active play builds both large and small motor skills, for example. There's a lot of skill that goes into something eventually as simple as catching a gently tossed ball. Just think how difficult it is for a toddler to play catch at first. But eventually the skill is learned and balls are caught.
7 reasons why you should prioritize children being active -
- Activity increases self-confidence and self-belief, an extremely important part of development that will cultivate friendships and leadership qualities
- Activity will enhance concentration for learning and understanding new challenges - it keeps the brain fresh
- Activity burns body fats for energy, keeping your child fitter and leaner
- Activity over a sustained period will develop passions and interests that help maintain a balanced lifestyle for today and into the future
- Activity will lessen the chance of health-related disease such as diabetes and skin conditions
- Activity with parents will strengthen the bond between child and parent
- Activity with parents will help develop a healthy relationship around behavioral patterns and in turn develop a happier, healthier child
If you are not sure what kind of activities to do check out this great article.
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