This guide will help you answer 3.1 Share information with parents/carers about the importance of physical activity for babies and young children’s health and wellbeing.
As an early years practitioner, you play a pivotal role in a child’s early development. One critical aspect you should focus on is ensuring that parents and carers understand the importance of physical activity for babies and young children’s health and wellbeing. It’s key to their physical, mental, and emotional growth. This section will walk you through everything you need to inform parents and carers effectively.
What is Physical Activity for Babies and Young Children?
Physical activity isn’t just about structured exercise or sports, especially for very young children. It includes any movement that helps them develop their physical skills. This can range from crawling and walking to running, climbing, and dancing. For babies, simple movements like tummy time, reaching for objects, and rolling are also important.
Health Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity offers numerous health benefits. Here’s a closer look at why it’s crucial:
- Physical Development: Physical activities help develop strong bones and muscles. For babies, tummy time contributes to the development of their core muscles which are essential for sitting and crawling.
- Healthy Weight: Regular movement helps in preventing obesity, which is becoming increasingly common in young children.
- Heart Health: Early activity helps keep the heart and lungs healthy, decreasing the risk of future cardiovascular diseases.
- Motor Skills: Activities like running, climbing, and dancing help in refining both gross motor skills (large muscle movements) and fine motor skills (small muscle movements).
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Physical activity does more than just boost physical health; it also plays a crucial role in mental and emotional wellbeing:
- Cognitive Development: Active play helps stimulate the brain, aiding in cognitive development and setting the foundation for learning.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Regular movement can help reduce anxiety and stress in young children. It releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which contribute to happier, more relaxed children.
- Social Skills: Activities like group play help children learn social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation.
How Much Physical Activity is Needed?
The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend different levels of physical activity based on age:
- Under 1 year: Should be physically active several times a day, particularly through floor-based play.
- 1 to 2 years: At least 180 minutes spread throughout the day, including light and more energetic activities.
- 3 to 4 years: At least 180 minutes each day, including 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity.
How to Encourage Physical Activity
Parents and carers can help ensure young children get sufficient physical activity by incorporating movement into daily routines. Here’s how:
- Make it Fun: Turn physical activity into a game to make it enjoyable. Singing action songs or creating obstacle courses can be highly effective.
- Routine: Incorporate physical activities into daily routines. Set specific times for play, such as after meals.
- Lead by Example: Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents or carers engaging in physical activities.
Providing the Right Environment
An environment rich in opportunities for physical activity is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Safe Spaces: Ensure that the space is safe for children to move around freely. Remove any sharp objects and use soft padding if necessary.
- Variety of Options: Offer a range of activities to keep things interesting. This could include soft play equipment, toys, and outdoor games.
- Weather Considerations: Think about indoor activities for rainy days, such as dancing or indoor obstacle courses.
Communicating with Parents and Carers
Effective communication ensures that parents and carers understand and see the importance of incorporating physical activity into their child’s lifestyle. Here are some communication tips:
- Regular Updates: Make it a habit to update parents on their child’s physical activities. This can be done through daily diaries, emails, or simple conversations during pick-up and drop-off times.
- Workshops and Seminars: Organise workshops to educate parents about the benefits of physical activity. Provide practical tips on how they can encourage their child to be more active at home.
- Resource Sharing: Share articles, videos, and other resources that highlight the importance of physical activity. You can do this through newsletters, social media, or your nursery’s website.
- Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to participate in physical activities with their children. This could include “family fun days” where parents join in games and activities.
Addressing Concerns and Barriers
Some parents may have concerns or face barriers when it comes to ensuring their child gets enough physical activity:
- Time Constraints: Suggest ways to incorporate short bursts of activity, such as a walk to the park or playing a quick game before dinner.
- Safety Concerns: Reassure parents by explaining how you ensure the play environment is safe and supervised.
- Skill Level: Some children may not be as physically adept as others. Encourage a range of activities to cater to all skill levels.
Monitoring and Feedback
Monitoring physical activity levels and providing feedback to parents is essential:
- Observation: Regularly observe and assess the child’s physical activity levels. Note any areas where the child excels or needs more encouragement.
- Progress Reports: Provide periodic reports to parents, highlighting their child’s progress and areas for improvement.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings: Use these meetings to discuss the child’s physical activity in detail and plan for future activities together.
Conclusion
In summary, physical activity is crucial to the health and wellbeing of babies and young children. By effectively communicating its importance, providing practical advice, and creating a supportive environment, you can assist parents and carers in fostering their child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Always strive to lead by example and maintain open lines of communication to ensure parents are well-informed and engaged in their child’s active lifestyle.
