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PARENTS- GET YOUR CHILDREN UP AND OUT!
We have all read alarming articles in newspapers and magazines about the rate of obesity in children in Ireland today. As a parent, getting your son/ daughter involved in fitness at a young age is one of the best things you can do to establish a lifetime of healthy activity.
How do you get started or select the right activities for your child?
For children aged 2-5; During this time children master many basic movement skills, such as;
- Walking
- Running
- Catching
- Kicking/ throwing/ bouncing a ball
Parents need to encourage learning during this time. Learning the basics lays a solid foundation for grasping more complicated sports and activities in the future.
For children aged 5-8; At this age, children can now begin to use the basic movement skills already learned and develop them into more complicated movements. For example; instead of kicking/ hitting a stationary ball get them to try it with a moving ball.
Children of this age group can play longer than younger a child, which means fitness levels can improve. Enrolling your son/ daughter into a wide range of group activities can benefit them at this age. It allows your child to figure out his or her likes and dislikes. Praise your child for trying different activities, even if they aren’t your favourite!
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
- Take part in your own fitness programme, studies have shown that in families where both parents are active, 95% of the children are active
- Teach your child the physical skills you know and try to develop additional skills to pass on to him or her.
- Emphasise the fun in exercising and avoid making negative comments about performance.
- Encourage your child’s school to make time for fun physical activity taught by a qualified and knowledgeable instructor
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