The Role of Physical Activity in Promoting Children's Mental Health: A Guide for Parents and Guardians
Physical activity is not only essential for children's physical health but also plays a crucial role in promoting their mental health and well-being. As parents and guardians, encouraging and supporting our children to engage in regular physical activity is vital for their overall development. In this blog, we will explore the importance of physical activity for children's mental health and provide practical strategies for parents to incorporate physical activity into their children's daily lives.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Mental Health:Research has consistently shown that physical activity is associated with numerous mental health benefits for children. Regular physical activity has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function (Lubans et al., 2016). Engaging in physical activity also provides children with opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and skill development, which further contribute to their mental well-being.
Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily Life: Parents can help their children reap the mental health benefits of physical activity by incorporating it into their daily lives in fun and engaging ways. Encouraging outdoor play, active games, and sports participation can provide children with opportunities to be physically active while enjoying themselves (Janssen & LeBlanc, 2010). Additionally, parents can involve their children in household chores, gardening, or walking or biking to school as ways to incorporate physical activity into everyday routines.
Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations: When encouraging physical activity in children, it's essential for parents to set realistic goals and expectations based on their child's age, interests, and abilities. Parents can help their children set achievable goals, such as aiming for a certain amount of physical activity each day or trying a new sport or activity (Fuemmeler et al., 2011). Celebrating their child's progress and efforts, regardless of the outcome, can help motivate them to stay active and build confidence.
Promoting Active Family Time: Family participation in physical activity not only promotes children's mental health but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories. Parents can plan and participate in active outings and activities with their children, such as hiking, biking, swimming, or playing sports together (Carson et al., 2016). These shared experiences not only encourage physical activity but also provide opportunities for quality time and positive interactions as a family.
Supporting a Balanced Approach: While physical activity is important for children's mental health, it's essential for parents to support a balanced approach that also includes rest, relaxation, and downtime. Encouraging children to listen to their bodies and take breaks when needed, as well as providing opportunities for restful activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music, helps prevent burnout and promotes overall well-being (Ridgers et al., 2012). By promoting a balanced approach to physical activity, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting children's mental health and well-being. By encouraging and supporting their children to be physically active, parents can help them experience the numerous mental health benefits associated with physical activity. Through fun and engaging activities, realistic goal-setting, active family time, and a balanced approach, parents can instil a love of physical activity in their children and set them on the path to lifelong health and wellness.
References:
- Lubans, D. R., Richards, J., Hillman, C., Faulkner, G., Beauchamp, M., Nilsson, M., & Biddle, S. (2016). Physical activity for cognitive and mental health in youth: A systematic review of mechanisms. Pediatrics, 138(3), e20161642.
- Janssen, I., & LeBlanc, A. G. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7(1), 40.
- Fuemmeler, B. F., Anderson, C. B., Mâsse, L. C., Parental obesity and the role of parental diet and physical activity in the risk of childhood obesity, Obesity Research, 2001, vol. 9 (pg. 171-178)
- Carson, V., Hunter, S., Kuzik, N., Gray, C. E., Poitras, V. J., Chaput, J. P., . . . Tremblay, M. S. (2016). Systematic review of sedentary behavior and cognitive development in early childhood. Preventive Medicine, 78, 115–122.
- Ridgers, N. D., Timperio, A., Crawford, D., Salmon, J. (2012). Five-year changes in school recess and lunchtime and the contribution to children's daily physical activity. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(10), 741–746.
