From Parenting 24/7: University of Illinois Extension
Movin' Children = Healthy Children!
Posted , updated Jun 16, 2005.
Children are naturally curious says childcare expert Lilian Katz. Use their curiosity to your advantage and get children moving. By moving more and sitting less, children learn healthy habits!
How can we use children’s curiosity?
Children want to explore their world and find out more about it. Ask your children what they are interested in. Make it a family habit to get outside and exercise. Questions about nature for example can stimulate a walk to find the answer. You will enjoy family time together, exercise, and develop habits and hobbies to share for years to come. You might want to explore:
- Looking for flowers. Can you find three different colored flowers?
- Can you find a big leaf and a small one?
- In the winter look for animal tracks around the neighborhood.
- Try asking: How many hops is it from the tree to the sidewalk?
- Is that tree up ahead taller than you? Taller than your house?
Gardening together is another way for children to be curious about the world and learn answers to nature questions. Planning the garden develops organizational skills. Planting, weeding and watering can lead to a life long hobby and some good exercise. Children are also more likely to eat vegetables they have helped to grow. Time spent together in the garden is less time in front of the TV or computer.
Nature is not the only thing children are curious about. Consider:
- How many jumping jacks can you do in 30 seconds?
- How many jump ropes can you do before missing? (Mom and Dad try too!)
- How many steps to the top of the slide?
Whatever your family decides to do, the exercise will help you to be more fit and reduce the chance for developing diseases, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Colon cancer
- High blood pressure.
Exercise also helps produce a positive mood and energy. Best of all is having fun together!