Unfortunately, the negative effects of the sedentary lifestyle so common today are already affecting children as well. Numerous health education programmes are aimed at young children and families in the hope that this trend can be reversed. I believe in health education through play. I have already written in several articles about the personality-developing effects of freely chosen play undertaken for its own sake. Here I approach the subject from another perspective: active play influences two further important areas - the prevention of learning difficulties and disorders, and weight control.
During childhood, an active lifestyle promotes the maturation of the nervous system, and thus plays a major role in preventing and reducing learning difficulties and disorders. This is why it is important to give children enough space to move and encourage them to be active. Let them ride their bikes and ride-on toys, use slides, climb, run and play ball games. Create obstacle courses that develop the coordination of movement and perception. If we think about it, carrying out everyday movements purposefully generally requires attention, spatial orientation, a well-developed body awareness and balance. This is a complex system, and the more children exercise it, the more effectively the underlying skills needed for learning can develop.
Another issue is obesity, which is a major problem in most developed societies. The health risks associated with childhood obesity are high, and those affected suffer from their condition both psychologically and socially. Being significantly overweight can lead to feelings of inferiority in children over the long term, a burden they often carry with them into adulthood. Unfortunately, children today don’t get enough exercise and often consume more calories than they need. They snack while using a tablet or phone, associating eating with screen time. In contrast, during traditional free play, they can become fully engrossed, and they’re less likely to think about snacks because they don’t need to resort to other activities to pass the time. Play diverts their attention from eating, and if it involves physical activity, it’s a first-rate method for weight control. In these situations, children burn calories without even realizing it. Of course, plenty of play is only one part of a health-conscious lifestyle; proper nutrition is just as important.
Adults must respect the fact that children need an adequate amount of time and sufficient space for free play! If you provide this for your children, you’ve already done a great deal for their future. The emotional, neurological, and physical development that comes from play is an important foundation for a successful and harmonious life. Let’s be happy when our child loves to move, because that’s how they develop themselves! If they aren’t very active, don’t force them under any circumstances—instead, help them find their favorite active play!
