Turn off that Television Set…….

Spring is here and it is time to spring clean not only your house but your lifestyle and blow those winter cobwebs away.

When I was growing up (many years ago!) the infamous words of “Why don’t you turn off the television and do something more interesting instead” were gospel.

So, now that the days are beginning to get longer, the weather is turning a bit warmer and you can start to see the glimmer of summer approaching, get you and your children outdoors and play some games.

Whether you enjoy the structure of formal classes or just have 30 minutes to spare in the middle of the day there are so many different ways to get you and your child active.

You can pick up your football and head down to your local park or out into your garden. A simple kick-about is a great way to get your kids active. You don’t have to do anything special, just put down a couple of jumpers as goal posts and have a penalty shoot out, each child taking a turn to score. You can make it harder by increasing the distance between the ball and the goal or you could be the goalkeeper!

Or you can set up a line of equally spaced “cones” leading up to the goal. (I use brightly coloured plastic plates) and get your child to weave through them. They reach the ball in front of the goal, shoots and scores to wild applause from the crowd!

Alternatively you could take them to the local playground and help them to use the equipment. Have a go yourself – slides and swings are fun, and you are likely to play for longer with your child if you are enjoying yourself too.

You can take a ride on your bikes round the park or down to your local shops, have a skipping competition in the garden, chalk out a hop-scotch or just play a simple game of tag. All will make you and your child feel better for some fresh air and exercise.

Exercise doesn’t have to be formal classes – though these are a great way to introduce the valuable concepts like sharing, taking turns, teamwork and listening to instructions are introduced in a fun environment. Classes also enable children to develop agility, co-ordination and balance whilst providing them with a positive introduction to sport. If you get your children into the habit now of regular physical exercise you are laying the foundation for fit, active and healthy lives.

The benefits of regular exercise are well documented and include

• Cardiovascular fitness
• Healthy weight
• Improved posture
• Reduced blood cholesterol
• Boosted self-esteem and confidence
• Improved concentration
• Reduced stress, depression and anxiety
• Enhanced social skills.

In addition to these health benefits of regular exercise, children who are physically fit sleep better and that’s something we all hope for!

Children learn by example, which is why sedentary children tend to come from sedentary families. But research shows that the involvement of parents in physical activity can increase a child’s participation.

So turn off that television set and get outside – you never know, you might enjoy it!

 

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