Time for Exercise

Kids need exercise. You probably remember how much fun you had running around outside as a child. But now parents are very protective, and kids are quite content to sit indoors and play video games, watch television or surf the Internet.

It’s not all that healthy.

Children do not start out hating exercise. They love it. Just watch any young child come up to a playground. They’re delighted. Most children will run around and play no problem.

I have also noticed that in my own family if I want to keep my kids busy for a time so I can get something done, kicking them outside to play works far, far better than turning a movie on for them. The television really does not make a great babysitter. The backyard, on the other hand, does a brilliant job most days.

Many popular childrens toys are in fact good for exercise. Just think about bicycles and roller skates. Just as with playgrounds, these are tons of fun, yet also really good exercise for kids.

Exercise has a lot of really great benefits for kids. It helps them sleep better. They’re likely to do better in school, as it helps to improve concentration. It teaches great habits for a lifetime. Kids just plain feel better.

Team sports in particular can help children to learn about playing fair. The exact benefit can depend on how the sports are handled in your area, as sometimes kids are pressured too much in team sports to win, and the interpersonal skills they should be learning vanish under the pressure to just be the best. It can be a fault of the parents as well as the coaches.

However you prefer to do it, limit your child’s screen time and get him or her out to exercise. The benefits are tremendous, and your child will almost certainly grow to love it if you give them the chance to exercise in a way they prefer.

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