Encourage Exercise In Under 5s – Parenting in the age of screens comes with an abundance of challenges. Preschoolers and even toddlers are drawn to the TV, tablet, phones and computer screens. Although modern technology can offer inventive ways for children to learn and play, studies show that too much screen time can lead to a whole host of problems, including problems with attention and emotional regulation. One tried and tested way to encourage children away from screens is to give them the opportunity to start a new hobby.
Encourage Exercise In Under 5s
The Benefits Of Hobbies That Encourage Exercise
Hobbies provide an opportunity to have fun whilst learning a new skill. Those that encourage exercise, such as a sport, also help young children reach and exceed developmental milestones. Hobbies that encourage physical exercise can help with:
- Strengthening bones and building muscle
- Improving motor skills, including spatial awareness
- Boosting energy levels and contributing to a better sleeping pattern
- Developing a healthy metabolism and maintaining a healthy weight
- Improving mental health.
Here are the top five hobbies that encourage exercise in under 5s.
Football Sessions
Football is an excellent choice for boys and girls under 5. Aside from encouraging physical fitness, football sessions create a fun and exciting environment where your little one can build new friendships and a learn about the importance of teamwork.
Some football academies, such as Kixx Academy, offer a range of football sessions for children as young as 18 months old across England. As well as having fun and staying healthy, football sessions can teach your little one a new skill that they can enjoy throughout their childhood and into adulthood.
Dancing Lessons
Dance is an amazing hobby as there are so many options to choose from! Ballet, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, tap… there is an exciting array of dance styles that your little one can try out.
The beauty of dance lessons is they often pave the way into other hobbies, such as music, musical theatre and drama.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a fun, physical hobby for children of all ages – but it’s a particularly fabulous choice for under 5s who love nothing more than to jump, climb and perform.
Joining a gymnastics club is a great way to help your preschooler build strength, improve flexibility, improve coordination and develop strong bones, all whilst building on confidence and self-esteem.
Swimming Club
Swimming is a life skill that every child should learn as soon as they are able to. Most public pools offer swimming lessons and sessions for babies, toddlers, children and adults. Unsurprisingly, starting your child young is the best way to help them turn this life skill into a fun hobby.
Aside from swimming lessons, which help children learn new strokes and improve their technique, swimming clubs are a fun way to get the benefits of swimming whilst building friendships.
Martial Arts
Martial arts are becoming a popular choice of hobby for boys and girls of all ages. Joining a martial arts club has a wide range of benefits for under 5s. Martial arts teach children a disciplined and skilled craft that can help them build confidence, defend themselves and improve their physical fitness. Martial arts can also help with teaching respect, improving focus, developing character and boosting social skills.
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