Keep the kids moving

Ayesha Wentworth



WINDHOEK

Running, jumping and any form of exercise is a gateway to a healthy life for children of all ages, just as a healthy diet is a fundamental part of a child’s physical growth.

Of course not forgetting a loving home and plenty of fun as well. It all helps to make a happy child.

Most children are very active balls of energy who can’t quite seem to sit still and focus on whichever task is before them.

However, over the years, more and more children are becoming obese, enthralled by computer games, smartphones and screen time.

With schools focused on very full academic curricula, school sports activities also seem to be waning. This has major repercussions on their overall development. Especially now during times of Covid-19, it is even more difficult to keep kids motivated and moving.

Good physical foundation

Exercise and sports are essential in developing a good physical foundation from a young age and help to build healthy bone mass and density.

It also makes kids more flexible, makes their bodies more resilient, less prone to injury and allow them to heal quicker. These are all great benefits the youth might not think about, but they only get one body - the stronger and healthier it is, the longer they will be able to enjoy it far into adulthood.

For younger children, physical activity during playtime helps to develop essential motor skills, which in turn helps them master the basic movements they need for everyday life. The development of a child’s motor skills means that basic tasks such as feeding oneself, tying shoelaces and even writing can be attained much faster.

Weight management

The benefits of exercise don’t end there, there’s the weight management advantage as well. Childhood obesity is a real problem globally and leads to health issues in the long-term and often adult obesity as well. Being physically overweight also has other implications that can have a major impact on a child’s life, well-being and overall development.

Children who are overweight are often teased and bullied by other children and even adults and teachers. This affects their self-esteem and can cause major long-term mental health issues.

It cannot be overstated how essential exercise and sports are for children in managing weight issues.

All parents want their children to be smart, successful and academic high flyers, but to make them well-rounded adults, one needs to start with their physical well-being.

Holistic education

At present, it isn’t always easy to ensure that kids get the exercise they need, especially with social distancing and school closures. The holistic education of a child should include physical exercise and sports. It will never be a waste of time and during exercise, nerve cells in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the brain are triggered to multiply and form new connections.

This results in improved concentration and a better memory, which are traits that will definitely serve a school-going child’s academic needs well.

All the developmental benefits of exercise have a significant impact on a child’s long-term health. The physical, mental and emotional benefits derived from exercise will prepare a child well for their teenage and adult years. It’s one of the most important gifts parents and educators can bestow on a child.

*Ayesha Wentworth is a clinical psychologist at the deputy director of Diagnostic and Advisory Services at the ministry of education.