Physical Activity and Sports

Research continues to show the numerous health benefits of physical activity & sports for children of all ages:

• Physical health – Physical Activity & Sports provides children with cardiovascular input which helps strengthen their heart and lungs and can prevent obesity and diabetes.​

• Self-Regulation – Physical Activity & Sports provides children with an opportunity to move which provides children with a healthy and safe outlet for any frustration or anger they may have. Did your child have a rough day at school or are they angry about something? Give them the option to do something physical to provide a safe and appropriate outlet for any excess energy or emotions.

• Coordination – Physical Activity & Sports requires children to move in specific ways (think of the timing required to kick a soccer ball as it is rolling towards you, or the coordination and balance required to do tree pose in yoga.)

• Social skills – Team sports and activities help children with their social skills development, which helps with their development of friendships and people skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and following instructions. 

 
If your child enjoys engaging and interacting with other children sign them up for a team sport – soccer, tee-ball, basketball, or football provides the benefits of physical activity with the social aspects of being on a team. This can help with the development of friendships and social skills.
 
If your child prefers to engage in physical activity and sports by themselves, try activities such as martial arts, yoga, hiking, running, bike riding, rock climbing, skiing, etc. they will receive all the benefits of physical activity and get to learn about themselves during the process which will help build their self-confidence and self-awareness.

What sports does your child like to engage in? Let me know in the comment section below.
 
See you soon!
Michael Jankowski, MS, OTR/L