This month is a great time of year to get outside and do something physical with your child and/or family.
Did you know that research supports that the more kids get physical activity the more they can learn and it promotes positive family bonding?
Just ask the CDC, Columbia University, the New York City Health Department and Department of Education, the Universities of Illinois, West Virginia, and California. They’ve all published research that stands behind the need for physical education in the school system. The CDC states, “…physical activity can have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes and academic behavior, all of which are important components of improved academic performance. These include enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.”
Not only does physical activity help kids in school but there are lots of physical benefits:
• have stronger muscles and bones
• have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• be less likely to become overweight
• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• have a better outlook on life
Families that spend time together doing a physical activity together identified benefits such as increased parent-child communication, quality time spent together, enjoyment, enhanced mental health, weight control and physical fitness.
Some fun family activities that you can do during the month of May:
*Take a bike ride-teaching kids to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage.Bike riding has many benefits such as: teaching balance, strengthening the heart, lungs and lower body muscles and bones.
*Go for a family walk– take in the beautiful flowers and trees that are blooming. Take the dog if you have one-they’ll probably love the walk too.
*Plant flowers or a garden-Not only is this a great way to get outside and physically move but encourages the body to build muscle volume and strength. Kids love to watch plants grow and are more likely to eat their vegetables!
*Throw a ball-You can make it more fun by buying a blow up beach ball and writing questions on it. This not only gets everyone moving but may improve your family communication.Use whatever questions are relevant for your family and/or your children’s ages. Examples are:
1. What is your favorite treat to eat?
2. Say 1 nice thing about everyone playing.
3. Where is your favorite place to go as a family?
4. What is your favorite family trip? Why?
5. What is your favorite game to play?
6. If you could be in charge of the family for the day what rule would you make?
7. If we could go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
*Do Family Yoga-Kids can learn ways to move, relax while doing fun animal poses.The Cobra anyone? For more information on yoga poses for kids go to :
http://yoga.lovetoknow.com/Yoga_Poses_for_Children_and_Parents
http://www.123kidsyoga.com/animal-poses-and-123-kids-yoga-dvd/
*Dance Party- Kids love it when their parents crank up the music and dance around the house.
No matter what you do to get your family moving this month, the most important thing is that you do it TOGETHER and make it FUN which will increase the chances of your child enjoying physical fitness and continuing it throughout their lifetime.