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Eat and Run for Good Health
Good nutrition and physical fitness in childhood go hand in hand. By the age of four or five children have well developed basic movement patterns and have the energy to use these skills! To help develop lifelong fitness habits, parents need to encourage an active lifestyle in positive ways. While organized sports and school physical education classes provide a level of involvement, parents should not rely on these activities alone. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education recommends that young children have many opportunities to participate in unstructured physical activity or free play. As children grow and mature, parents can support interest by modeling physically active lifestyles. If family fitness activities are new to you, start simple. One half hour of activity a day will lead to good habits and good health. You may want to try one of the following activities:
- Hike outdoors in any season.
- Share outdoor games from your childhood.
- Toss, catch, and kick a ball.
- Use a rope to jump over and crawl under.
In doors set up an obstacle course, regularly move or dance to music, or do some household chores together.
Mary Kolle, TCAPS School Readiness Coordinator
TCAPS newsletter dated 2/22/08Comments
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