Maximizing Child Playtime with Purposeful Movement
We know that playtime is an excellent way for children to run around, play
with their friends, and get exercise. Playground activity such as climbing,
running, playing house, playing cops and robbers, or superhero games are
actually developing crucial skills, as well as preparing their brains
for adulthood “life challenges.” Child development experts
report that “outdoor playtime” has diminished over the past
several years with the advancement of technology. For example, video games
and the internet are replacing outside play and contributing to child
obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Organized “team play” teaches kids to play nice and promotes awareness of others’ thoughts and feelings. Team play also promotes self-control and emotional regulation that will become an integral and important skill as they move through life. Children learn to count, run, motor play, process numbers, jump, and develop visual motor skills such as hand/eye coordination that prove effective in their development just by playing fun games like hopscotch, tee ball, and hide and seek. The American Heart Association recommends children over the age of 2 engage in at least 1 hour of moderate physical activity per day. So…Get those kiddos moving!!
Angie Green
Physical Therapist
