There’s arguably no other point in history when distractions are endless. Gone are the days when parents only had to struggle with only television viewing habits.
Now, parents have to deal with a range of technological devices which compete to engage our children in addictive ways.
iPads, tablets, and mobile are just a few easily available devices that capture children’s attention. To make matters worse, parents tend to get lost in them, too.
We are not advocating that technological devices are destructive in and of themselves. It’s just the old adage, “Too much of a good thing,” ringing true again.
Overdependence on technology can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have undeniable health risks in the long run. The key is to provide balance in the activities your child takes part in on a daily basis.
And what better way to achieve this than by introducing healthy activities for children?
If you are looking for ideas, then do take the time to consider our suggestions below.
1. Assign chores to them
Not all households have the same philosophy about chores, but it’s definitely ideal for parents to delegate tasks to their children early on. Not only does it encourage them to get off the couch, but it also teaches them about the value of responsibility.
It can be as simple as having them assist you in the kitchen. Assign them tasks that they will be able to perform without much supervision like washing the fruits and vegetables or bringing their own creative touch in the food presentation.
The more immersive the activity, the better at engaging your child’s interest. It’s advised to refrain from having them perform a specific task day after day.
Change it up a little so that you and your child stay committed to the idea.
2. Encourage book reading
Mental stimulation is just as essential to overall health.
And while there are mobile games and television shows that do manage to do this, there is simply no substitute to printed books. The science is there to back it up.
These are just a few proven benefits of reading printed books:
- Children’s reading comprehension is boosted when they are reading or are being read to from a printed book.
- It’s also easier to absorb more information if you’re reading from a printed book and won’t strain the eyes as much as staring at a screen.
- If your child will only be reading from a tablet or smartphone, he will be more likely to get distracted by the accessibility of the apps in them.
- Last but not least, it also develops their love for reading when they are physically able to turn pages.
3. Go hiking
If there are great hiking trails near your area (especially those that are just an hour’s drive), then do take the time and effort to embark on these family activities more frequently.
The simple act of movement is essential to our health. You also get to enjoy fresh air and truly engage with your kids in the process.
Also, nothing compares to the feeling at the summit after a long climb; the feeling of blood pumping through your body, and the deep sense of achievement.
These are unique experiences your children can take part in and will undoubtedly savor and remember for the rest of their lives. There’s really no substitute for the simple act of walking.
And when you and your family hike, you get plenty of opportunities to bond at the same time. It’s practically a win-win option for the entire family.
4. Start introducing them to creative pursuits
From painting and drawing to writing and building, these are all creative activities that improve essential aspects of their mental abilities early on.
Their ability to analyze and solve problems can be nourished as well. Even a simple tool such as a paintbrush or crayon (and a surface to paint or draw on) can already do wonders for your child’s creative skill.
It also introduces them to the basics of imagery, numbers, and the written word, which serve as the main foundation for language and communication.
5. Buy more toys that require them to be physically active
If your child can’t make do without a toy to play with, try to opt more for those that won’t require him to sit on the couch all day.
Great examples of toys that promote physical activity are balls, bikes, scooters, basketball rings, and jump ropes.
The benefits of these toys aren’t limited to promoting your child’s physical constitution. After all, these toys also boost their fine and gross motor skills.
Having them ride a bike, in particular, also encourages them to explore and to be independent. These are essential skills your child can’t acquire elsewhere.
6. Have a routine to exercise or visit the local park
Exercise time is also often overlooked as your child is often swamped by other activities. So, it’s only right that you should make time for it.
Setting up a schedule for exercise, teaches your child about discipline.
Even a regular walk in your local park can provide a wide array of benefits for parents at a loss as to how they will be able to pry their children’s attention away from screen time.
7. Practice a sport together
The value of performing activities together has been proven to be beneficial to children in the long run.
This is pretty much at the heart of any sport you do as a family. Whether you like soccer, baseball, or basketball, you can’t go wrong with doing any of these together regularly. It also sets your child up for unlocking his athletic potential early on.
Even a simple session of the catch can do wonders, and you can spend this quality time together.
Conclusion
It’s best to introduce these healthy practices to kids at a young age. Optimal health & wellness in preschool translates to better overall health as your child grows.
Furthermore, the above ideas underscore the importance of a holistic approach to raising your children.
The take-home message is: You are your child’s best role model! Any healthy activity you enjoy is bound to be adopted by your children, too.
For the best early childhood learning in Darra, Brisbane visit Little Wonders Montessori and learn more about our aspiration to help your child succeed.
