Pediatric Recommendations For Physical Activity Encourage Active Lifestyles For Children

 

To ensure that children and teens grow up healthy, they must stay physically active and eat nutritious foods daily. Making these habits early on sets the foundation for active lifestyles for children. Physical activity is beneficial at any age, but it’s especially crucial for kids as it supports their development into healthy adults. The top pediatrician in Ahmedabad advises that children and teens aged 6-17 engage in at least 60 minutes of average active physical activity every day. In our digital age, encouraging kids to put down their devices and get moving can be challenging. However, with a bit of effort, you can help them adopt healthy habits and learn activities they’ll enjoy for years to come. Let’s take a look in depth!

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Being physically active means moving enough to get your heart pumping, breathe harder, feel warm, and even break a sweat. Exercise is crucial for the health and well-being of active lifestyles for children. It strengthens bones, muscles, and joints, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease in the future. Regular exercise is not only beneficial for active lifestyles for children, it has a positive impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being as well. Physical activity can increase a child’s mood, self-esteem, and enthusiasm. It also enhances school performance, attention, and behaviour while reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. Participating in organised sports can also encourage teamwork and build friendships.

11 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Be More Physically Active by the Best Pediatrician in Ahmedabad:

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children develop healthy habits. Here are some tips to get started for active lifestyles for children:

Consult Your Child’s Doctor:

Before beginning any new physical activity, it’s wise to talk with the best pediatrician in Ahmedabad. They can explain why exercise is important for your child’s development and overall well-being. He also helps to identify specific sports or activities that align with your child’s interests, physical abilities, and health conditions. This step is especially important if your child has any pre-existing health problems, as the top pediatrician in Ahmedabad can provide tailored advice to ensure your child stays safe while being active.

Focus on Fun:

When it comes to getting kids moving, fun is key. Encourage your child to try different sports or activities until they find something they truly enjoy, whether it’s dancing, swimming, soccer, or martial arts. The more they enjoy the activity, the more likely they are to continue it long-term. Family participation can also make activities more fun—consider organising family hikes, bike rides, or even a game of backyard soccer to get everyone involved.

Choose Age-Appropriate Activities:

It’s essential to choose activities that are suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage. For example, younger children are not ready for severe activities like weightlifting or long-distance running. Instead, activities like soccer, swimming, or riding a bike are more appropriate and enjoyable for them. These activities help build basic motor skills, coordination, and confidence. As children grow older, they can slowly take on more challenging sports and exercises, but it’s important to ensure they are ready both physically and mentally.

Plan Ahead:

Set aside specific times during the week for exercise and choose the best and safest locations. Whether it’s a local park, community centre, or your backyard, having a fixed time and place for physical activity helps establish a routine. Encourage your child to take part in school sports teams, after-school programs, or weekend activities to ensure they get regular exercise.

Provide a Safe Environment:

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to physical activity. Make sure that your child’s equipment, such as helmets, pads, and shoes, is in good condition and fits properly. The area where they play or practice should be free of dangers, with appropriate supervision when needed. Also, ensure your child’s clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the activity, such as breathable fabrics for outdoor sports or supportive shoes for running.

Offer Active Toys:

Especially for younger children, offering active toys can make a big difference. Simple items like balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and frisbees encourage kids to move and play actively. These toys can be used alone or with friends, making physically active lifestyles for children. For older kids, consider equipment that suits their interests, like a basketball hoop, rollerblades, or a trampoline. These toys not only encourage physical activity but also help develop important motor skills and coordination.

Be a Role Model:

Children learn a lot by watching their parents. If they see you leading an active lifestyle and enjoying physical activities, they are more likely to follow suit. Make exercise a family routine by including your kids in your workouts, whether it’s going for a morning jog, doing yoga together, or playing a sport. Your enthusiasm for physical activity will inspire them to be active as well.

Play with Your Children:

Spending time with your children is not only fun but also a great way to encourage physical activity. Teach them new sports or activities, and participate with them to make it more enjoyable. Whether it’s tossing a ball around, going for a nature hike, or riding bikes together, these activities provide valuable bonding time while also promoting healthy lifestyles for children. Playing together also gives you the opportunity to teach your child important skills, such as teamwork, perseverance, and how to handle winning or losing gracefully.

Limit Screen Time:

In today’s digital era, it’s easy for children to spend hours in front of screens, whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or scanning the internet. The top pediatrician in Ahmedabad recommends limiting screen time to no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 and placing constant limits for older children as well. Please encourage your child to use their free time for activities that get them moving, such as playing outside, participating in sports, or exploring new hobbies that require physical effort.

Make Time for Exercise:

In today’s busy world, children often have packed schedules loaded with homework, music lessons, and other extracurricular activities. Ensure your child prioritises physical activity by scheduling it into their daily routine. This could be a morning walk before school, a dance class in the afternoon, or a family workout session in the evening. By making time for exercise, you’re helping your child set a healthy habit that they can carry into adulthood.

Avoid Overdoing It:

While it’s important to encourage regular physical activity, it’s equally important to ensure that your child doesn’t overdo it. Exercise should be enjoyable, not painful. If your child starts to experience discomfort or pain during physical activity, they should slow down or take a break. It’s also crucial to balance physical activity with other aspects of life, such as school, family time, and rest. If you notice that exercise is becoming too extreme or is interfering with your child’s daily responsibilities, it may be time to adjust their routine. Consulting with the best pediatrician in Ahmedabad can help determine the right balance.

Wrapping Up:

In conclusion, Encouraging children to be physically active is essential for their overall development and long-term health. By making exercise fun, age-appropriate, and part of a daily routine, parents can incorporate healthy habits that last a lifetime. Providing a safe environment, limiting screen time, and being a positive role model also support these habits. Balancing physical activity with other factors of life ensures that children grow up healthy, happy, and well-rounded, establishing the phase for a bright and active lifestyle for children‘s future.