Facts You Should Know About Keeping Your Child Active

It is well known that being physically active is essential for every child. There are lots of benefits of being active for kids, but do you all really know what is meant by being active? There are many things that you need to know about keeping your child active.

We are here with some facts that may help you in knowing the importance of keeping your kids physically active.

How Often Should Your Kid Be Active

• According to the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services, children above the age of six, and adolescents need at least an hour a day of moderate physical activity, and vigorous activity should be done at least 3 days a week.

• Kids between 6-17 years of age should dedicate at least 60 minutes a day to moderate, and vigorous activity

• Kids between 3-4 years of age should aim for at least 3 hours in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity.

• It will be even better if children participate in muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities for at least 3 days a week.

Nowadays, children spend more than seven hours a day in front of a TV, videogame or mobile screen. Only one in every three children are physically active every day, which is not really a good thing.

Observation Of Physical Activity Behaviors of Young People

According to some studies, only 24% of children of 6-17 years of age participate in one hour of physical activity every day, but every child needs to do so. In 2017, only around 36% of students took part in at least 1 hour per day of physical activity, and around 51% of high school students were included in muscle strengthening exercises for over 3 days a week.

What is considered to be “Active”?

• Physical activity should be a part of your child’s daily routine. It sets the lifetime foundation of fitness and good health for them.

• Moderate-intensity activities can make children sweat more and breathe a little harder. But it will help them in talking while they move their bodies such as fast walking.

• Strengthening muscles and bones is important. It can be done through activities, such as jumping rope, running, and sports like tennis, football, and basketball.

Benefits Of Keeping Your Child Active

• Children who are physically active, are more likely to be focused, motivated and successful in school. It also helps them build confidence.
  
• Active play in kids improves aerobic fitness, improved bone health and weight status in children ages 3 to 17, enhances muscle strength in children ages 6 to 17, and reduces the risk of depression in children ages 6 to 17.
  
• Physically active kids are more likely to:
  1. gain to 40% higher test scores
  2. have 15% more chances to go to college
  3. get 7-8% higher annual earnings
  4. be more productive at work

As a parent, you need to encourage your kid to be active every day, by doing exercises, walking, cycling, skipping rope, and playing outdoor games. Free play, games, sports, walking, etc, can be parts of daily activities.

The Global Child Prodigy wishes all the best to all the parents & children out there. Keep doing activities!

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