Embrace the current times
Our children today are simply amazing. They literally come out of the womb educated and truly exceptional. So as educators and parents our focus must change. I have an unusual attitude to tv and the important iPad. I believe that they have a strong place in our children’s lives. We really can’t fight against technology and need to embrace it so that our children keep up with the times.
Education starts much earlier
Let’s face it 3-year-olds understand concepts like herbivores, the water cycle, and bonding numbers, thanks to these new methods of education. It is exciting and mind blowing to tap into these exceptional little brains and to realise just how much information our children’s brains can store.
Physical development of children today
With every positive there is unfortunately a negative. This is where we as parents and educators must step up and fill in the gaps that may be forming in the overall development of our young children. We are seeing so many young children who are stiff, unable to do basic motor skills, low muscle toned and lack core skills. Why? You may ask. Well young children sit for longer periods than we all did. The sit in the traffic, they spend longer periods of time sitting at a desk and naturally in front of the TV and iPads.
The importance of movement at a young age
Most parents want to know how to best assist their young children in preparing them for more formal schooling. They want to send them to maths lessons, language enrichment classes and perceptual training. As the song in the sound of music tells us “let’s start at the very beginning a very good place to start”. Remember young children’s first area of development is movement. This is the first thing a baby does even before talking and learning they start to move. So, it stands to reason that if gaps are forming in this area of their development, we will see other gaps in the learning process and the overall development of our precious children.
How can parents help combat their children’s more sedentary lifestyles?
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle by setting a good example to your children.
- Take your family for a walk. Make this interesting by finding parks and forests but even a fun walk through the neighbourhood will be beneficial.
- Find a tree and let your children climb it there is nothing better for arm and core strength than climbing.
- Go on family bike rides. Not only will this assist with exercise, but it is an excellent way to teach your children about road safety. Your child is going to go onto the road at 18 in a car with thousands of other road users, so teach them early to respect the rules of the road.
- When they are watching educational tv shows let them sit on an exercise ball and not lie on the couch.
- Create a little obstacle course in the lounge or outside in the garden. Use household articles like tins to balance on or create hurdles using a broom and some pots. Let them be involved in creating the course.
- Put a little trampoline and let your child bounce in their rooms until they are tired.
Balance is key to a happy child
So, allow your children sometime on their beloved iPad and to watch their favourite TV programme. Just ensure that there is a balance to all that they do. For every hour they spend having sedentary time they need to have an hour of full activity time that engages all their muscle groups and ensure that their heart rates are raised to improve their physical fitness. Balance, balance and balance ensures happy productive children who enjoy their lives.