Exercise is crucial for helping children grow up physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Studies have shown that physical activity can help boost confidence, combat depression, and maintain strong physical health. Whether at school, in child care, or at home, keeping kids active should be a top priority for parents. Use this guide to learn about how you can get your child up and moving.

How to Keep Kids Active & Healthy

1. Exercise as a Family

Making exercise a part of your routine will provide a positive example for your kids, but it’s even better to bond over activities as a family. Sharing bike rides, outdoor games, and weekend hikes can help both you and your children have fun and stay fit. Show them that exercise is a productive habit by incorporating it into your usual family time.

2. Keep It Positive

It might be tempting to give kids a boot camp-style punishment the next time they misbehave, but this can create negative associations with exercise, leading them to dislike what should be a fun and healthy part of regular life. Avoid exercise-based punishments and emphasize the mood-boosting and stress-relieving benefits instead.

3. Consider Exercise Programs

When you’re looking for the right school or child care center, ask questions about their exercise programs and how they provide kids with healthy and productive physical activity. Research suggests that exercise throughout the day can improve mental functions, increase focus, and strengthen memory. Learning facilities that make exercise a key part of the day will help your child achieve all of these benefits and live up to their full potential.

4. Choose Appropriate Activities

Tailor activities to your child’s developmental level and encourage them to take up forms of exercise they can share with friends. Your 6-year old probably won’t be ready for a ten-mile hike or weightlifting, but swimming, bike riding, and playing soccer are age-appropriate choices that won’t be too much effort and will help young kids stay fit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, here at A Rising Star Children’s Center, we strive to provide the children with as much outdoor play as possible. Our children go out twice a day for a minimum of 45 minutes up to 2 hours or until they are picked up. 

If you’re looking for an excellent educational environment where your child can grow and learn while staying active, get in touch with A Rising Star Children’s Center in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. They have 4 playgrounds and offer a conducive environment for children to explore and learn about themselves and others.  A Rising Star is backed by more than 45 years of experience in teaching and child care. Visit them online or call (914) 862-4283 to speak with a staff member about enrollment.