Physical Activity
Why Is Physical Activity Important?
Being physically active helps your preschooler learn healthy habits.
Health Benefits:
- Active preschoolers are less likely to be overweight. Learn how to tell if your child is growing appropriately.
- Some physical activities, such as running and jumping rope, help bone growth.
- Active children have stronger muscles and healthier lungs and hearts.
- Active children are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Developmental Benefits:
- Physical activity helps children develop motor skills and coordination. Some activities that help are:
- walking, running, hopping
- balancing, dancing, stopping
- throwing, catching, kicking
- Physical activity helps children feel good about themselves. For example, they feel proud after learning how to bounce a ball or ride a bike.
- Active preschoolers are more likely to be happy.
- Physical activity can also help in mental development. For example, pretending to be wild animals lets children use their imagination and be creative.
As preschoolers run, climb, dance or stretch they build endurance, strength and flexibility.
- Walking, running, and similar activities help build endurance.
- Climbing and lifting help build strength.
- Playing on playground equipment and stretching help maintain flexibility. If they don't make use of their flexibility, it starts to decrease as they get older.
If you are concerned about your child's ability to move and play actively, talk with your child's doctor.