Keeping Kids
Active Once School
Begins
By Joe Mullins, M. Ed., ATC
As
summer vacation
winds down and
school activities
ramp up, kids’
routines have the
potential to undergo
a drastic change.
Much of the time
spent during the
summer months in
being active will be
replaced with
classroom time
sitting still. As
parents, we need to
help our children
avoid the nationwide
epidemic of
childhood obesity by
promoting after
school physical
activity.
Here are some recommendations to consider for assisting children in transitioning from a day of school to an afternoon of physical activity…
- The secret to this transition begins before the children leave home for school in the morning. A healthy breakfast is a must to jumpstart the body and mind for a productive day. Guidelines for a healthy breakfast can be found at http://www.mypyramid.gov/.
- Setting expectations for children before they leave home in the morning is also a good idea. To avoid any after school “misunderstandings”, encourage them to be thinking of a physical activity during the day they would like to enjoy after school.
- Allow children to enjoy an after school HEALTHY snack for energy.
- Some children may need some ideas for physical activity to choose from. Some options may include bike riding, playing tag with friends, family exercise time at a local community center, a neighborhood walk, playing hopscotch, jumping rope, or possibly washing the family car.
Two other advantages of an after school physical activity “program” include children receiving a break between school and homework and them getting a good night’s sleep from the energy spent during them being active.
Implementing an after school physical activity “program” for children will assist in our children becoming healthier, more fit, and perhaps aid in having a successful academic school year.
Wishing you and your families health and success…