Activity for Children

Combination of moderate and vigorous activities
Moderate activities might include brisk walking, any sort of active play as well as bike rides etc
Vigorous activities might be more organised sport such as football, running, swimming or ‘huff and puff’
Most importantly children need the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that are fun and suit their interests, skills and abilities. Variety offers a child a range of health benefits, experiences and challenges.
Any activity that sees a child expend energy is good!
Children gain valuable experience through learning skills like throwing, jumping, catching and kicking
These skills can be learnt and developed through organised sport as well as active play and informal games, which help to build their confidence and give them more options to take part in a wide range of activities as they get older
Cycling and walking on streets and paths also provides skills that make them more street-smart and aware of their surroundings
Swimming is not only healthy but an essential life-skill

10 mins walking to school
10 mins playing games at break time
15 mins playing netball at lunchtime
10 mins walking home from school
15 mins playing football after tea with Dad/friends
Remember every little bit helps but try to include some activity which is non-stop for about 15 minutes to help build a healthy heart

Infants and toddlers should be given plenty of opportunity to move throughout the day
Children should not be inactive for prolonged periods except when asleep!
Daily movement helps develop a child’s sensory and motor systems and helps them gain an understanding of the surrounding world and become confident moving within it
In a safe, hazard-free space, let infants spend time lying on their front, back and sides, let them roll over, creep and crawl.
Try to limit the time a child is inactive and encourage their natural instinct to move

Be a role model – be active when you’re with your children
Include physical activity in family outings
Support active play, recreation and participation in sport
Encourage and support walking and cycling to school
Think of alternatives when you hear ‘I’m bored’
Be prepared – have a box at home and in the car with balls, frisbee, kite etc
Encourage children to replace time spent surfing the net, playing computer games & watching tv with more active pursuits & negotiate a daily time limit
Work with your child’s school to increase physical activity opportunities
Walk and talk – practice spelling, maths, etc., with your child as you walk