Exercising. You have to love it. Yet it can be a fun activity, especially when you move together with your little one. Not only does exercising together strengthen your bond, but it's also good for your health. In this blog, you'll read why exercising is so beneficial for young children and what you can do together to stay 'fit'.
Why Exercising is Good for Children
There are countless studies showing that exercise is good for your child. But what exactly makes exercising so healthy? Here are a few benefits:
- Exercise improves children's coordination and motor skills.
- Exercise enhances fitness and endurance. It's a bit of an open door, but exercise improves children's fitness and endurance. The earlier children start exercising, the better their endurance, strength, speed, and technique become.
- Exercise reduces the risk of depression. Staying active, even at a young age, helps the body deal better with negative emotions. Exercise is particularly beneficial for anxious children.
- Exercise strengthens children's bones. Exercising strengthens your body – a handy benefit for parents too 😉
- Exercise boosts children's confidence. By exercising and moving, children learn to be independent. Plus, sports challenge you to give your all, which builds confidence.
Exercising Together with Your Child: 4 Fun Activities
After reading about the benefits, you simply can't ignore it anymore. But what are some fun activities to do together with your child? Together with the Kadoing team, we've compiled the best tips for you:
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Free Swimming or Toddler Swimming
What could be better than cooling off together in the pool? Swimming is a delightful way to move together with your child. If you start early and begin with toddler swimming, it can work in your favor. Toddlers get used to the water early on, so when it's time for actual swimming lessons, they already have a head start.
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Dancing to Music
Music brings joy, relaxation, and brings people together. And let's face it, who doesn't want to dance to music? Choose a song or album that you both enjoy, and the fun can begin! Not a choreographer yourself? There are various dances available on YouTube or TikTok that you can learn together. Want to really let loose? Try freestyling! Research shows that this is the best way to regulate your emotions – and it probably leads to some funny situations too.
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Bootcamp in the Playground
Want to combine vacation with some sports activities? You can! In many tourist cities or large parks, you'll find various boards with tasks and fun activities. A mushroom trail, hopscotch, or a path where you can search together for traces of wild animals. You name it, it exists. At the same time, you're enjoying the outdoors and being active. Or, another golden tip for active families: a playground bootcamp! Come up with some fun sports challenges that you can do together with your child in the playground, like hanging on the monkey bars for one minute, for example. This way, you combine fun and sports.
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Sports Games on the Tablet
Tablets and mobile phones often get a bad rap. Children are said to spend too much of their free time behind the screen, and as a result, they never play outside anymore. Yet, there are also fun and healthy things to do with a tablet or mobile phone. How about a sports game or app that teaches you both to meditate? In the Play or App Store, you can choose from various apps that will get you moving!