WHY IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY VITAL TO PRE-SCHOOLER?

Written by Liza John 

The most difficult part of any process is the beginning, the first step, getting started. The same goes for our general health, the earlier we take steps to inculcate healthy habits the better. Children by nature love physical activities.  

The environment they are in plays a huge role in whether they indulge in physical activities or spend most of their time in front of a screen. As a parent it is your job to ensure that your child grows up in a good environment that promotes their health.  

Activities such as playing video games for hours on an end or watching their favourite cartoons all day long, do not aid your child’s development. If anything, they can turn out to be quite damaging.  

Remember our childhoods, when we used to run around the neighbourhood and play with our mates outside. Well unfortunately, most kids today spend their time indoors in front of a screen. The pandemic has worsened this situation drastically. In this blog we’ll be taking you through why physical activity is vital to a pre-schooler and why you should promote it. 

Healthy Growth and Development 

Physical activity helps develop your child’s motor skills, and other fundamental movements. Playing games such as baseball or basketball improves hand eye coordination. Experts suggest that at least 20 percent of the factors contributing to obesity are linked to excessive screen time. Getting around 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day can help maintain a healthy body weight and keep obesity at bay.  

Regular exercise aids in developing healthy muscles and bones. It reduces fat and cholesterol in the body, improving blood vessel flexibility and clearing arteries. Increased physical activity also often results in a higher lung capacity. 

Physical exercise has also been associated with improved brain development, creating connection between the brain and nerves. It also keeps blood pressure under check, and boosts energy levels. 

Boost Mental Health 

Physical activity boosts self-esteem, reduces stress, and does a lot more to improve mental health.  

When involved in physical activities children tend to focus on the task at hand. In children with anxiety this reduces their anxiety while they are involved and helps them achieve a sense of accomplishment.  

When children see how amazing their body is apart from how it looks, they also build a sense of body positivity.  

Involving in physical activity releases happy hormones called endorphins, that boost your child’s mood and nurtures a happier outlook.  

Lowers Risk of Diseases 

It is well known that regular exercise improves immunity. But did you know that good physical activity during early childhood can prevent diseases later in life? 

Surprised? Studies show that several diseases like osteoporosis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are less likely to develop in children who undergo good regular physical activity. 

As aforementioned, regular moderate or vigorous exercise promotes heart health, reducing the risks of several heart diseases. Improved blood vessel flexibility significantly drops the risks of strokes later in life. 

Regular physical activity has been found to lower the risk of a number of cancers including colon, prostate and breast cancers. 

Inculcates Healthy Habits  

When your child’s learns how fun it is to be able to run, walk, swim, or dance, they will likely want to continue being physically active throughout their life. The habits you inculcate in children will be a part of them even when they grow up, hence why you should start early.  

Imparting a healthy body image, a good perception of what looking good means, and that these come from healthy habits and healthy lifestyle is vital.  

Children pick up several life skills through physical activity. Team sports like soccer or cricket can teach them important life skills including being a team player, improve communication skills, and problem-solving skills.  

Organised sports teach children discipline which they tend to reflect in other aspects of their lives.  

Final Thoughts 

Now that you know why you should keep your pre-schooler physically active, set aside some time each day for exercise. 

Introduce your child to a range of activities to keep things interesting and be active together as a family. While physical activity is important for your child’s health, ensure that you keep it fun.