I seriously do not know how families keep their children occupied without exercise. I’ve never thought of myself as sporty or particularly interested in sports until I had my daughters. Somehow I’ve found myself in one of the most sport mad families around. There have been so many benefits of getting our children into sport and exercise though. Here’s what we have found from having children that love sport and exercise:
Physical Health
Our daughters are healthy. They know how to exercise safely and not overdo it. They know how to eat properly to fill their bodies with the nutrients necessary to keep exercising and be healthy.
They look great – we’ve never had to think about their weight, either being too heavy or too light.
They have great energy. The youngest has built the stamina to do 3 football sessions on a Tuesday – You couldn’t do that level of exercise if you weren’t fit and in great shape.
Cognitive Benefits
At exam times, we never had to stop our girls doing sport and exercise. We found that their brains were just as healthy as their bodies and actually worked better, retained and recalled information for their exams because they were so healthy and being used well.
They didn’t have time to get stressed and worked up about exams as their concentration was either on their sports or actually working properly to study.
Social and Emotional Well-being:
- Building Social Skills: This is so important. This private school in Surrey recommends participating in team sports or group activities as it fosters social interaction and cooperation. Children learn essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, laying the foundation for positive relationships throughout their lives. Our girls have made so many friends through their sports and have built the confidence to speak with all types of different people and make friends easily.
- Stress Reduction: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. This natural mood booster helps alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being in children.
- Enhanced Self-esteem: Our girls know that they are good at certain sports. It doesn’t mean that they are overly confident, just that they know what they are good at. This confidence has also given them the ability to have a go at new or unfamiliar sports too. They aren’t bothered if they aren’t the best, they just appreciate trying something new and having fun!
Establishing Healthy Habits:
- Long-term Health Benefits: Instilling the habit of regular exercise in childhood lays the groundwork for a healthier adulthood. Children who engage in physical activities are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as they grow older, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Prevention of Sedentary Habits: Encouraging children to embrace an active lifestyle helps counter the sedentary habits associated with excessive screen time. This not only protects physical health but also promotes a balanced approach to leisure activities.
