Most kids love being physically active. You see them in parks swinging from the jungle gym, screaming as they play tag, or clambering up the slide side when they should be swooshing down. But what if your child would rather read a book or paint with his fingers? You might be breathing a sigh of relief since you won’t have to chase him around, worried that he’ll fall and break his neck. However, with all the other children enrolled in soccer, swimming, and basketball, you may start to worry that your little one is missing out on something. And you may be right.
Value of movement
Lara Palileo, program and curriculum development head of The Little Gym Philippines and officer-in-charge of The Little Gym in Alabang, says, “Keeping children physically active is both important and necessary. Physical activity is not only key to good health, but it is also a must for children because it promotes and increases brain activity.”
(Related story: Study: Increased Physical Activity Improves Kids' Grades)
Irene Nicolas-Recio, former preschool teacher at Prep Camp and now stay-at-home mom, stresses the importance of physical activity for preschoolers. “Being physically active can improve self-esteem,” she says. “It can also help teach your children how to relax, improve self control, and develop a sense of discipline.”
She also cites the well-known benefits of being active. “It promotes growth and development, helps build strong bones, and develops muscles. It also helps with balance and other physical skills.” Lastly, especially when it comes to team activities, Recio adds that it provides an avenue for making new friends.
Your unique kid
You know your child is one of a kind. This is why you shouldn’t despair if he doesn’t take a liking to physical activity.
“As parents and teachers, we always have to remember that each child is wonderfully unique,” says Recio. “So if a child shows an interest in physical activity, we can continue to encourage and support him with this. If he shows difficulty with or a dislike for it, then this can be a point of development for him.”
Palileo affirms this by saying, “Some children may not have been exposed to an active lifestyle or have not received the right type of exposure or encouragement… but this is something which can
be developed.”
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P.E. and the preschooler
It’s also possible that the culprit isn’t really your child’s lack of interest in physical activity, but his exposure to it.
Palileo says, “A lot of young preschoolers do not get the proper and sufficient physical activity through their school’s physical education (P.E.) classes, which are usually just an hour every week.” She adds, “Plus, most P.E. classes provide activities which are simply not fun or engaging enough for young children.”
Palileo also points out that it is not advisable for very young children to be in competitive sports right away. “These young children are not yet emotionally equipped to handle such a competitive environment and could therefore be disheartened and discouraged,” she says. “Parents should carefully select a program which provides a safe, nurturing, and positive environment that, at the same time, helps their child develop the basic building blocks of movement and coordination.”
Sing a song of exercise
A fun way to warm up before doing any strenuous activity is singing.
Many children’s songs can be fun and quite physical for your child when you start doing the actions. Here’s a simple one you can do to warm up—or as an exercise in itself. Try doing it faster and faster each time. Remember, put both hands on the body part you name.
Head, shoulders,
Knees and toes,
Knees and toes
Head, shoulders
Knees and toes
Knees and toes
And eyes
And ears
And mouth and nose
Head, shoulders
Knees and toes
Knees and toes
Let’s get moving!
Given how important it is to be physically active, it’s vital for you, as a parent, to encourage your little one to get on the move. Palileo suggests, “Parents should lead by example with an active lifestyle. They can encourage their children by scheduling fun activities for the entire family.”
“Providing the right conditions can help set up a child’s interest in physical activity,” adds Recio. “Encourage active play with your child, and give gifts that promote physical activity like bicycles, kites, balls, jump ropes, etc. Continued encouragement and support are key to a child’s healthy and active lifestyle.”
Recio goes on to say that if you try many different activities with your child, you are encouraging him to develop a wider range of skills. And when he has found something he’s interested in, always remember to praise him. “Positive reinforcement is always good. Be there for them. Cheer, attend practice, games, recitals, or other activities they’re enrolled in,” she says.
(Related story: SP's Summer Classes and Activities Directory for 2013)
Try this instead
Use your child’s interests as a take-off point to get him active. Some ideas to try are listed in the chart. 
As in all things, do not force your child if he still resists. Continue to encourage him and be a good example. Who knows? One day, he may come up to you and ask if you want to join him for a run in the park.
Image from southwestcommunitycenter.wordpress.com
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