Crabby Kid Solution: Physical Activity

Crabby Kid Solution: Physical Activity

Do you have a crabby kid? If so, the solution could lie in more physical activity. As with everything, you need to lead by example, but some kids have come to prefer sedentary pursuits and their moods may reflect it. Get your kids moving, and also teach them social skills so they can cope better. {If you need resources to help you help your kids deal with feelings, check out our Feelings Store.}

The Challenge

In a world where gaming and digital products reign supreme, it can be a challenge to keep kids moving. While digital entertainment may provide fun times, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than two hours of screen time for children. 

Also according to the AAP, "Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors." We also know that regular exercise can have a profound positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood. {Source}'

Physical Activity: Not One Size Fits All

So, how can parents encourage more exercise and less screen time? The trick is to find a physical activity of interest to your child and capitalize on that. Every genre of book does not appeal to every child, and so it goes with physical activity. One size does not fit all.

If your kids are part of a youth sports team, you are already on the right path. Not all children enjoy organized sports, however, they can still enjoy an active lifestyle. Whether you are looking for ways to enhance a sport your child already plays, or pique an interest in a new activity, there are plenty of options to do so.  There are books that give tips, ideas and hints to improve their game. You can provide them with training aids that help get kids comfortable with a new activity or enhance their performance, such as:

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Pitching machines that allow kids to take batting practice right in the backyard, or

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Pitchback rebound nets to practice pitching and throwing. Virtually every sport that's played has a doo-dad or a what-not that will help your child get some extra practice and physical activity in. 

For soccer, there's a soccer trainer, 

a book with soccer information 

to portable goals to use just about anywhere:

If hockey is more your child's speed, try this street hockey set:

or this mini rink:

If you don't have a sports enthusiast at all, consider the following. I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like jumping on a trampoline:

Here are some final ideas for fun:

My kids used to love this yoga for kids:

What's your favorite way to keep active with your kids? 

Looking for an idea to keep the kids busy and active that costs nothing? Create an obstacle course, indoors or out, with items you already have around the house. You will only be limited by your imagination.

For More Information

For more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, go HERE.  You will find key reports, research and other resources to assist in your research on the effects of media on children’s health.

Keep 'Em Moving

To keep your kids in tip-top shape both physically and mentally, make sure to keep 'em moving! Do the same for yourself, too! This means more than a couple of minutes of movement.

According to health.gov:

The Guidelines recommend that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day. That includes:

• Aerobic Activity: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as running, dancing, or biking), and include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week
• Muscle-Strengthening: As part of the 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, include muscle-strengthening physical activity (such as climbing trees, using playground equipment, or lifting weights) on at least 3 days of the week
• Bone-Strengthening: As part of the 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, include bone-strengthening physical activity (such as running or jumping rope) on at least 3 days of the week

Until next time, keep it moving!