Kath + Belle | Encourage Kids to Stay Active & Fit

Staying Active, Fit and Healthy During Hard Times

With the playgrounds are getting abandoned and school curricular activities are still on break, kids are not having fun like they used to. All kids’ sport activities in Malaysia have been on halt for now. Even with the relaxation SOP is in place, many parents are still reluctant to have their kids playing outside of their home. But that doesn’t mean we have to let the kids stay still all the time. 

Family life has changed dramatically as a result of the pandemic containment measures. Every parent intuitively understands that it’s important for their child to get plenty of physical activities in their days. Getting them physically nimble is all about having opportunities for them to have fun and find the activities that they like. In these tough times, parents must be a stronger role model for your kids. Now is the time for parents to get out and play with their kids. You can stay active while staying at home.

Why Kids Need to be Active?

Being physically energetic is vital at this age. Having a robust life now can set a wholesome and healthier future for the kids. This helps them to:

Boost Their Brain

Healthy kids tend to be more brilliant in school. Their academic level is one step ahead because they’re more focused in class. Studies found that physical fitness in children (especially aerobic capacity and motor ability) is associated with a greater volume of grey matter in several cortical and subcortical brain regions crucial for executive functions.

Strong Physical Development

Kids develop a healthy heart and lungs, bones, muscles and joints with exercise. This also helps them to have better coordination, strength and muscle control, flexibility, balance and posture. 

Promote Healthy Lifestyle

Good BMI (Body Mass Index) among the kids brings good health. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to ensure a child stays at a healthy weight. Obesity in childhood is a predictor of being overweight as an adult.

High Self Esteem

Winning and losing are all part and parcel in sports. Children learn valuable lessons on perseverance, not giving up, and how to cope with disappointment through these experiences. These lessons can be transferred to other areas of life and teach kids how to be confident despite the challenges they face in life. 

3 Key Tips to be Active in Childhood

There are plenty of ways to keep your kids dynamic while having fun. We at Kath + Belle found that these 3 tips are the strongest foundation in setting the right mindset to our little ones. 

1. Parents As Role Models
   You can help your child be fit by being a good role model and sending positive messages about being physically fit. Kids mirror our behaviors and habits. By just being zestful yourself, your child will notice and be more likely to follow your lead.
   
2. Sneak Play Into Daily Activities
   Not everything needs to be a competitive sport. By just sneaking some fun values into doing house chores can change their perception on house works and chores. For example, singing while cleaning the floor, playing tug or war when folding laundry or jogging while walking the dogs. Always provide them reasons to play!
   
3. Reduce Sedentary Activities
   Try to reduce the amount of sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing on your phone. Instead, spend this downtime going for a walk in the park, playing board games and participating in sport activities. Before that, remember to sanitize the exercise equipment at the local gym or park to be safe from germs. bacteria and viruses.