As a new mother, I was inundated with parenting advice, some helpful, some downright bizarre (like putting putting Ribena Blackcurrant Concentrate in a 6 months old water bottle to help them drink water).
Amidst the plethora of noise, the best advice I got was prioritising daily physical play for my children to assist in their relaxation, unwinding, and ultimately promoting better sleep.
Ensuring kids engage in physical activity isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s essential for their holistic development. Play cultivates gross motor skills, balance, and coordination, crucial elements for their physical and cognitive growth. It also nurtures imagination and creativity, empowering them to navigate and understand the world.
While technology offers benefits, prolonged usages sedates children (and adults too), leading to irritability, moodiness, and addiction. Have you noticed your child’s mood worsen after they’ve been on technology?
I notice a stark difference in my children’s behaviour and sleep patterns when they have excessive screen time. It tends to fuel squabbles among themselves and with me.
Technology fails to provide the opportunity for children to expend energy as engaging in physical activities does, which is crucial for their growth, development, and overall health.
So, I made a deliberate effort to integrate physical activities into their daily routine. When they were younger I enrolled them in various activities such as Kinder Gym, Ninja Warrior, Ready Steady Go and so much more . Additionally, I invested in a variety of toys and equipment like trampolines, balance rocks, balls, as well as engaging in sensory play with items like playdoh, beads, and waterplay.
There’s a wealth of possibilities to explore with imagination without having to make a monetary investment, from designing obstacle courses for them to conquer to enjoying outings in the park. Kids even found joy in playing outside in puddles during the rain.
The crucial aspect lies in discovering methods to keep them moving and stimulated. Movement and expending energy were especially vital for my son, whose energy level and stamina surpassed that of my daughter.
Now, with my 9-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, prioritising physical play continues to be my cornerstone parenting approach, particularly given my son’s boundless energy. Whether it’s through sports or evening walks, impromptu races, or park adventures, these shared experiences not only exhaust them but also deepen our familial bond.
So, I invite you to give prioritising physical play for your kids. Test it out, observe the difference in their energy levels and sleep quality, and share your experiences in the comments below.
CAUTION: Their endurance will increase over time, possibly requiring longer play sessions to adequately tire them out. Be prepared for this adjustment as you continue to prioritise physical activity in their routine.
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