Physical activity is incredibly important for your child’s development and self-confidence
That’s according to the HSE, who advise that kids under five should be having at least three hours of physical activity each day.
According to the experts, being active can help your little one to:
- have a healthy body
- develop self-confidence
- maintain a healthy weight
- improve learning and attention
By the age of five, your child’s daily physical activity should include at least 1 hour of energetic play a day.
This is where they sweat and their breathing is faster than normal.
The three hours of play does not need to be done all in one go, but rather, it should be built up over the course of the day.
The HSE also advises that we reducing the amount of time your child is sitting or not moving is also important.
All activity counts, so for example; walking, running, dancing, hopping, skipping or cycling.
What to do
Some examples of ways to get the kids out and about, according to the Health Service Executive are:
- exploring the outdoors
- making time for play with other children
- Playing music and learn songs together
- walking or cycle to where you’re going – even doing part of the journey on foot or by bike will be good for your child
- trying to have areas in your home with no TVs, computers or devices, or avoid these devices for certain times during the day
Outdoor play
Children have a lot more freedom to run around, shout and mess when they’re outdoors.
It offers something new every day and has huge benefits for your child, like helping them to:
- learn and develop mentally
- improve their physical development
- encourage their curiosity
- learn how to get on with others
If you do not have a garden or it’s not safe to go outside near your home, you could also try to make time to visit local parks or playgrounds.
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