Fostering Healthy Movement in Kids: How Parents Can Lead the Way

Coach Tom here to discuss why and how we should help foster kids to learn about healthy movement.

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Start With the Facts

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First let’s consider some simple facts from the CDC regarding childhood obesity:

• The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.
• Obesity prevalence was:
  • 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds
  • 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds
  • 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds

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These are numbers that have only increased over time as well. We know that early childhood obesity can result in a number of adverse health conditions earlier in life, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea
• Joint problems

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So What's the Solution?

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How can we combat all the forces at play that are working against kids? As a parent, I believe the first place to start is by setting an example and working on yourself first. Prioritizing your own health by displaying a positive relationship with food and exercise is a great way to set your kids up for future success.

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I can assure you future parents – kids are most definitely “monkey see, monkey do.” As far as the fine details of nutrition for kids, I'll leave that to nutrition experts.

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How Do We Get Kids to Develop a Healthy Relationship with Exercise?

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How do we encourage them to move more? The good thing is that early on, it’s not that difficult because they are at their most impressionable. If we move, they’ll move!

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Outdoor options:

• Going on walks
• Visiting playgrounds
• Letting them roam the yard supervised

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They’ll work on balance, walking on uneven surfaces, and get fresh air!

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Indoor options:

• Playing music that involves movement ("Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
• YouTube videos that get them up and moving

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As Kids Get Older

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As kids transition out of toddler age, the real fun can begin. There are more opportunities for organized games that encourage kids to move:

• Simon Says
• Red Light, Green Light
• The Floor is Lava
• Tag

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These can involve parents, but simply teaching children these games will probably be enough to get them to want to play them over and over with siblings and/or friends.

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It is also around this time that exercising as a parent can be done more often with a child around. Showing them what it’s like to use our bodies and how strong we can be!

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The Role of Organized Sports and Activities

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Organized sports come with specific pros and some cons. Children can enter organized sports as early as 4, but it’s not a must. Some children may not be ready for it, and that’s totally fine.

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Ideas to explore:

• Soccer – great starter team sport (foot-to-eye coordination)
• Gymnastics – focuses more on movement and skill
• Dance – encourages movement and expression, and kids love music

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Bonus: Indoor activities = weather-proof.

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Note: All of these options come with a cost. Check out community offerings, which are often more affordable than private organizations.

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Final Thoughts

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I also want to take this opportunity to get on my soapbox about fostering your child's preferences as they grow and age.

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As an athletic trainer, I’ve seen plenty of kids excel at a young age, only to lose interest or confidence as they get older. Teens develop different interests. Kids who were “behind” developmentally may catch up. This can be discouraging to naturally talented kids or tough on those struggling.

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No matter what the situation is with your child:

• Talk to them.
• Listen to them.
• Encourage, nudge, and guide – but don’t force.

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Once they get rolling, be supportive and positive. Avoid being the parent who screams at refs, belittles coaches, or yells at their own kid from the stands. That rarely works.

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There are so many ways to be active, and developing a healthy mental state around activity at a young age is crucial!

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Please note I am no child psychologist and these are simply the musings of both a parent of two littles AND someone who has worked with teenagers and adolescents in sports medicine.

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