Best of Parenting 2023

Best of Parenting 2023

Jan 13, 2021

Let's Exercise!

Exercise is important for all ages, but especially for our children. 

Building a strong foundation at a young age not only offers health benefits into old age, but immediate results as well. Active kids equal healthy adults. While there are a wide range of benefits when kids exercise, here are our top five.

1 - Fights Disease
Physical activity helps kids control weight, lower blood pressure, raise HDL ("good") cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes as well as some kinds of cancer. Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D and strengthens children’s bone mass.

2 - Improves Behavior
Strong evidence suggests that physical activity, outdoor play and time in nature improve behavior problems in kids of all ages. One of the reasons natural settings reduce ADHD symptoms is because children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.

3 - Develops Healthy Habits
Kids who exercise regularly at an early age develop healthy habits into adulthood. Parents who are role models for active lifestyles provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity and the family makes healthy decisions together.

4 - All Kids Benefit
The percentage of obese kids and teens has more than doubled in the past 30 years. All children, even less-coordinated ones, need to be physically active. Activity is especially helpful for the physical and psychological wellbeing of children with weight problems.

5 - Better Sleep
Physically fit kids sleep better and handle physical and emotional challenges more effectively. Active kids enjoy improved psychological wellbeing, including self-confidence and higher self-esteem.

Check out our toddlers getting some exercise in this week!