Kid’s Fitness… What’s a Parent To Do?
By Debi Pillarella, M.Ed.
By Debi Pillarella, M.Ed.
It’s no secret that obesity has taken this country by storm and is a contributing factor to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Syndrome X, hypertension and others. What is most upsetting is that this epidemic is seriously affecting our kids. It has been said that this may be the first time parents will out live their children (Food Fight, Dr. Kelly Brownell). Obesity is caused by a combination of over nutrition, inactivity and genetic predisposition. What can be done to protect our children from the terrors of this condition? Since there’s not much that can be done about the genes we’re born with, parents must focus their education and energy on the two elements they can control, eating and activity. This article will focus on the activity side of the equation. Use an Internet search engine or visit your local library to gather information on nutrition for kids. A few great websites are www.ada.com, www.eatright.com, www.nationaldairycouncil.org andwww.nutritionforkids.com.
When it comes to fitness, kids are not miniature adults. They have specific physiologic differences that make them unique. Therefore, their fitness programs and activities must be specific to their developmental stage and not just a watered down version of an adult’s. So, what’s a parent to do?
Chronologic age is a difficult marker to use when deciding on fitness activities for kids. Children develop in stages. Some children reach a particular stage earlier than others. Although there are no exact guidelines, this article will give you some great guidelines to use as you keep your kids fit. A wonderful reference on developmental fitness stages is Kid Fitness by Dr. Ken Cooper.
2-5 Years of Age
The Scoop
Kids between the ages of two and five need social, physical, and intellectual interaction and development. These years are called the building block years, as they lay the foundation from which subsequent skills will grow. Free play, exploration, creativity, song and exposure to a variety of experiences is critical. Ever wonder why kids at this age can’t seem to sit still? They’re learning about their bodies and how to control them within the space they live. Instead of restricting this, confining them to a couch with a video playing, or enrolling them in extensive structured activities, channel the energy in a positive way (see below) and watch your young ones soar. They will tire out and eventually need a rest. (Don’t worry.)
Kids between the ages of two and five need social, physical, and intellectual interaction and development. These years are called the building block years, as they lay the foundation from which subsequent skills will grow. Free play, exploration, creativity, song and exposure to a variety of experiences is critical. Ever wonder why kids at this age can’t seem to sit still? They’re learning about their bodies and how to control them within the space they live. Instead of restricting this, confining them to a couch with a video playing, or enrolling them in extensive structured activities, channel the energy in a positive way (see below) and watch your young ones soar. They will tire out and eventually need a rest. (Don’t worry.)
What’s Hot
- Free play
- Catching objects (beanbags, scarfs, playballs, etc.)
- Rolling objects
- Bouncing a ball
- Kicking a ball
- Tossing/throwing a ball
- Hitting a larger stationary ball (on a T) with a bat
- Jumping
- Running
- Walking (forward, backward, sideways)
- Hopping
- Galloping
- Skipping
- Introduction to swimming/water
- Walking a line (low balance beam)
- Pedaling a bike
- Using imaginative or thematic play
- Following simple directions
- Cooperative games
- Non-competitive relays and sports
- Emphasis on fun and play
- Positive, motivating, encouragement
What’s Not
- Restrictive play
- Sitting still for long periods of time
- Overuse of motorized toys (e.g., battery operated jeeps, etc.)
- Competitive team sports
- Emphasis on winning and hard play
- Negative comments, criticizing, comparing skills of children
5-8 Years of Age
The Scoop
At this age, kids are building on the foundations that were created in the previous years and moving on to more complex movements and skills. Moving from hitting a stationary ball to one that is thrown, bouncing a ball with two hands to bouncing it with one, and progressing from a bike with training wheels to one without, are all milestones that are accomplished here. Kids at this age can play longer and harder than those at the earlier stage of development. They can actually follow multi-task directions (e.g., run to the cone, jump up and down three times, then run back to me) and enjoy playing in a group more.
At this age, kids are building on the foundations that were created in the previous years and moving on to more complex movements and skills. Moving from hitting a stationary ball to one that is thrown, bouncing a ball with two hands to bouncing it with one, and progressing from a bike with training wheels to one without, are all milestones that are accomplished here. Kids at this age can play longer and harder than those at the earlier stage of development. They can actually follow multi-task directions (e.g., run to the cone, jump up and down three times, then run back to me) and enjoy playing in a group more.
What’s Hot
- Bike riding
- Skating
- Scooters
- Skateboarding
- Swimming
- Running around
- Non-competitive sports
- Trying out a wide range of fitness/movement activities (not just those mom and dad like or want them to play)
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