{"id":1822,"date":"2019-01-28T15:45:38","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T15:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stillpointcounselingandwellness.com\/2020\/02\/19\/movement-for-healthy-development\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T20:08:25","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T20:08:25","slug":"movement-for-healthy-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stillpointcounselingandwellness.com\/?p=1822","title":{"rendered":"Movement for Healthy Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Picture\"<\/p>\n

We know that being physically active is important for people of all ages, but it\u2019s especially important for young kids to be physically active. Making sure to implement movement into their daily lives is the best way to ensure they will reach a high level of physical fitness. Research shows that promoting movement and physical activity in young children increases memory, improves perception, attention skills and decision-making skills (Moyses, K. 2012).<\/p>\n

Physical activity and high levels of aerobic fitness in elementary-aged children (7-10 years old) has been shown to benefit brain function, cognition, and school achievement. Studies also show children with higher fitness levels receive better scores on academic tests and show higher performance on real world \u2018street crossing tasks\u2019 compared to their peers who have a lower level of physical fitness (Chaddock-Heyman, L., Hillman, C. H., Cohen, N.J., Kramer, A.F., 2014). Another important benefit of physical activity is good mental health and reduced behavioral problems. Studies show physical activity allows children \u201cto have a better outlook on life by building confidence, managing anxiety and depression and releasing endorphins, which correlates to a happy child\u201d (Tala. A., 2017).<\/p>\n

Through consistent movement children are able to develop strong hearts and muscles, social interaction skills, co-ordination, self-confidence, communication skills, and concentration. Along with balance skills, kinesthetic memory development, awareness, and increase verbal and non-verbal communication skills\u00a0(Early Childhood Ireland, 2015).<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to wait until your kid is in elementary school to begin teaching them the importance of movement and getting them to be physically active. One study conducted by Michigan State University Extension found that you can begin implementing movement into your child\u2019s life the moment they\u2019re born! Here are some ways you can\u00a0do that:<\/p>\n

0-6 months old<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n