The National Athletic Trainers Association has outlined guidelines for parents whose children participate in sporting activities. They encourage parents to avoid having their children specializing in one sport too early. They also suggest that children should only play a single sport for a maximum of eight months each year and should take at least two days off each week. This is because children risk injuries and long-term health problems that are often associated with specializing in a single sport. There are many beneficial and fun activities children can do outside of video games and sports. Children should be encouraged to try new things.
1) Learn to Play an Instrument
Learning to play a musical instrument is an excellent activity for parents to get their children involved in. Music lessons are great to help children become skilled with instruments and in music. It also helps to develop lifelong skills that can be applied outside of music.
Children and adolescents learn faster than adults because the prefrontal cortex of the brain is less developed. So, this is the time for them to learn new skills. Learning to play an instrument helps children to improve their coordination. It also helps with developing memory and fosters self-expression. A piano is a great instrument for children to learn to play. Parents who are interested can research piano lessons for kids and get their child into a great program.
2) Swimming
Swimming is an amazing activity for children to participate in, especially during the summer. It’s a great way to stay cool and have fun while exercising. Swimming has many benefits, so parents should implore children to make it a hobby. Swimming is a good skill to learn and a great way to lessen the chances of drowning. It also helps to develop good posture, balance, and stamina. Swimming is also a good way to improve lungs and heart health and it will definitely keep children away from video games. Also, it has been proven that swimming lowers the risk of obesity.
3) Encourage Exercise
According to the New York Times, studies show that exercise is beneficial to children’s mental health. Exercise can be fun, and there are many exercises other than swimming that are great for children without the risk of sporting injuries. Several studies have been conducted that prove exercise reduces the likelihood of depression, even in persons who are genetically predisposed to it.
During adolescence, children tend to become less active. It has become even more so with the increased access to technology. Children now spend more time on their tablets and phones, watching TV, or playing video games instead of participating in physical activities. This has potential negative impacts on their physical and mental health. There are many games, such as tag, that involve exercise. Also, parents can take their children hiking or sign them up for dance lessons to encourage exercise.
4) Cooking
Most children and adolescents love to eat but very few know how to cook. Cooking is an essential life skill that is beneficial. Parents can make cooking fun and encourage their children to join them while cooking. Learning to cook from a young age helps children to become more independent. Also, when children can prepare their own meals, they are less likely to consume fast food or junk foods when they are hungry. Parents can make cooking fun with simple, colorful, and creative recipes. Children can also assist in the kitchen with tasks such as peeling, mixing, and grating.
5) Camping
Camping is a great activity for the entire family to participate in. It’s an excellent way to bond while enjoying the outdoors. Camping also helps children and adults to stay active. Children can learn multiple skills while camping. They can learn how to tie knots, make fire, and construct tents.
As you can see, there are many activities that can keep a child active and healthy. These are a few ideas, but there are many more. Do the research and find out what works best for your children.