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Physical activity and exercise are good for everyone. It's not only good for adults, but it's equally (if not more) important for babies and children. It's essential for the proper development of any child. It helps with physical and mental development.

There are various reasons children require exercise and physical activity including:

- Support for their brain development

- Building strong bones, joints, and muscles

- Keeping excess weight off

- Improving their sleep

- Getting rid of excess energy

- Increase confidence

- Encourage socialization

- Better learning

There are plenty of different reasons kids need to get a lot of physical activity. It can help to lead to a healthier and happier life. Not only can it minimize the chances of the child becoming obese, but it can help to prevent the development of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

There are plenty of different ways your child can get proper exercise and physical activity into their lives. This can include walking more, running, riding bikes, playing sports, and more. You want to encourage your children to move a lot throughout the day and to not spend too much time sitting.

1. Sports and Structured Exercise

When your child reaches school age, they are likely going to learn new skills that allow them to be successful in sports.

A lot of children end up finding sports to be engaging and fun. They get to play with friends and work as a team. They learn new skills, enhance their hand-eye coordination, and learn how to win and lose. Take a look at  https://www.soccerstarsacademy.co.uk/football-classes-for-toddlers-manchester.

However, not every child is going to enjoy sports. Likewise, not every child will have the requisite physical skills or abilities to participate. You want to encourage your child by encouraging them to continue practicing and to overcome the obstacles that get in their way. If your child dislikes sports or a particular spot, there is nothing wrong with it. Simply help them find a physical activity they do enjoy and encourage them to participate in it. 

How Much Activity Do Kids Need?

According to the Australian Department of health, children should have the following physical requirements:

- From being born to 1 year of age

Babies should have enough physical activity with themselves. They should be allowed to have some supervised floor play in a safe and structured environment. While they are awake, they shouldn't be kept inactive for more than 60 minutes.

- From Ages 1 to 5

All kids 1 to 5 should be physically active for 3 hours per day. 

- Ages 5 to 17

Anyone that is aged 5 to 17 should be doing at least 1 hour of moderate to intense exercise every day. Likewise, they should be doing some activity that requires weight bearing for at least 3 days per week.

Limit Screen Time 

One of the biggest issues that are getting in the way of our children from getting sufficient physical exercise is screen time. Whether they are doing online school, watching TV, or playing games - you don't want them doing so for too long. The Department of Health recommends that any child under 2 shouldn't watch or use screens. For any older kids, the time spent should be limited to the following:

- Kids 2 to 5

Screen time of fewer than 1 hour per day

- Kids 5 to 17

Screen time of fewer than 2 hours per day

How Can You Help Your Kids Become More Active?

- Encourage more activity by being physically active yourself. After all, you are the role model for your child.

- Encourage Exploration

Allow your children to explore the outdoors and nature. You want them to go out and explore what the world has to offer. If you don't have a backyard, you should be taking them to a park or other location frequently enough so they can immerse themselves in the outdoors.

- Walk Kids To School

Instead of having the kids take the bus or rather than driving them, walk to school with them. This can encourage them to get more exercise and it can help you get some too.

- Exercise With Them 

Try to find ways to make exercising fun. Exercise with them by playing kids' games or by making obstacle courses.

Photo by Katie E from Pexels