How Does Physical Activity Benefit Child Development?

Physical activity is essential to a child's development. It boosts their energy levels and mental health, which can help them to concentrate better and perform well in school. It also helps build strong bones and muscles, which can prevent injuries later in life.
 
Physical activity is also a crucial part of play and learning, allowing children to develop healthy relationships with others, whether that be with other children or adults. Most importantly, it's about your child having fun and enjoying being active. Here we explain all the ways that physical activity can benefit your child and yourself as a parent or guardian. 

What is physical activity?

Physical activity is any activity that involves some form of movement by the body, which for a child includes:

• Walking
  
• Active play (such as skipping, jumping etc.)
  
• Swimming 
  
• Riding a bike
  
• Playing a sport
  
• Playing more vigorous games (e.g., chasey) 

The Australian physical activity guidelines recommend at least 180 minutes of active play a day for children aged 2-4 who are not in school. For children aged 5–12 and 13–17, the guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. See this resource for more information.

What are the benefits?

Physical activity helps children’s development in many ways. Here are some benefits:

• Promotes brain health and cognitive function
  
• Increases flexibility and balance, improving coordination and agility
  
• Strengthens bones and muscles 
  
• Improves cardiovascular fitness 
  
• Improves coordination and motor skills   

The additional benefits

Some added benefits include children:

• Staying alert and active during the day
  
• Sleeping better at night
  
• Concentrating better
  
• Managing stress levels well
  
• Improving their mood
  
• Managing anxiety and anger/frustration

Creativity and imagination

Creativity and imagination are two skills that are important for learning, but they can be developed through physical activities as well, for example:

• Playing games such as hide-and-seek or tag, which encourage them to use their imagination 
  
• Playing sports games encourages creativity by giving children an opportunity to problem-solve when faced with challenges like being unable to run fast enough during a game of chasey
  
• Being active gives children confidence because it allows them opportunities for self-expression—for instance, by dancing around at home after playing outside all day long. 

Here at Woodlands Childcare Centre, we provide a variety of physical activity programs for your child to enjoy and keep them fit and active. Get in touch today to register your interest and begin your child’s Woodlands journey.