Parenting Pearls

Keeping Them Active

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

Each season brings with it some changes and adjustments. Now that it’s fall and we’re getting into the colder months, our family has had discussions and has started to make plans for increased physical fitness. I thought it was worth sharing some of the reasons why.

Why now?

During the summer, the kids are naturally more active. With warmer weather and more daylight hours, the kids are out and about running and playing. Whether they’re in camp or at home, they’re active and moving. Once fall sets in, the weather starts to become too cold to go out for long and the early nightfall leaves little time for outdoor play. This year, the issue is even more pronounced. Usually, kids have plenty of time to move during recess and physical education classes in school. With COVID restrictions in place, the kids are less able to get in that extra movement their bodies need.

Why is exercise important?

I don’t even know if this question needs to be asked. I think it’s pretty well established by medical and mental health professionals that exercise plays a vital role in both physical and mental health. Countless articles are written on this topic by various professionals. I won’t go into the details you’ve already seen elsewhere. You already know that it’s great for your health and helps to maintain a healthy weight and positive mood. You may also realize that your children gain the same benefits. Littler bodies are meant to move – a lot.

I don’t think people realize to what extent they benefit emotionally from exercise. We always need good emotional health but even more so when we’re in a time of increased stress, such as what we’re currently experiencing. Your kids need that extra burst of endorphins just like you do.

I certainly don’t think enough is said about the educational benefits to kids who move and exercise. Kids who are active learn better. There, I’ve said it. Some kids even need to move during or in between educational activities. There are many teachers who incorporate movement into the classroom for this very reason. One of my children was given a protocol of physical activity to do by an OT to help that child learn better.

I am not a doctor, physical therapist, nor a social worker. What I am is a mom (and educator) who can give you some ways our family has kept active.

How?

There are many ways to get your children moving. Older kids will naturally enjoy different ways to be active than the younger set. I can give some ideas but you know your children best and what interests them. Movement should be fun and not torturous. Making time for physical movement can be such fun that your child will look forward to it each day.

Find an activity they like or look online for suggestions. There are ways to move and exercise that you’ve never even heard of before!

There are both formal classes and informal ways to get your children moving. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and parents need to decide what works best for each child. Some children will do better with structured activities, while many children won’t require or benefit from that at all.

Young children are naturally on the move and happy to roll and play. We have less furniture and more open space in some areas to allow more room for tumbling and activity. The younger kids usually don’t need much to get them active, and they don’t require special equipment. Pillows or mats are a great place to roll, and kids can jump and move. We have small riding toys for indoor use, and our little guys are happy to zoom around the main floor with them. It was rather remarkable seeing how our toddler improved his coordination through riding around. You can also hand them a very soft ball to play with in a room that doesn’t have much to break. If your youngster needs extra encouragement, you or a sibling can join them and they will love the special time together.

Any time they can get outdoors they’re happy to take advantage of it and they’re often the easiest ones to accommodate. For families that prefer more structure at home, there are exercise-themed CDs from Morah Music that encourage children to move and dance along to the music.

Elementary-aged kids are also naturally very active in their play. If they’re given the opportunity, they will play in parks, run with their friends, or play active games. They enjoy tag and similar games so they often need only minimal encouragement. You can suggest activities/ games or give them basic equipment such as mats, jump ropes, balls or music to move to. There are videos online and formal classes for this age, and some children will not only benefit from them physically but will also gain a new skill or learn a new sport. Many kids won’t need the videos or classes but it is an option for those who need them or will enjoy. Make sure that you approve any videos before showing them to your children.

Middle and high school kids are often past the informal movement of the younger crew. They really enjoy group sports but that’s often not an option during the winter or a pandemic. They can be encouraged to do sports individually, with a parent or with their siblings. They are old enough that they can pick a sport or activity and really get into it. Ask them what they like, offer some suggestions, and work with their interests. Your teen might really enjoy learning a new skill or sport and finding a new athletic passion. We have invested in a chin-up bar, resistance bands, and other basic equipment to encourage activity. We don’t have a large house, a fact I appreciate every Pesach, but I still try to maximize the open space in my house to give even our big boys some room for activity and gentle sport playing. It’s amazing how much they can do with some open space and creativity.

Movement as bonding

Many people may not appreciate how much exercise can become a way to bond with your child. Doing an enjoyable activity together can become a way to bond and enjoy each other’s company. I used to walk and workout while wearing my baby in a baby carrier. I recently did a push up challenge with one of my teens. We had a great time together while getting stronger.

My friend is doing a dance class with her daughter.

There are so many ways you can turn physical activity into an enjoyable experience with your child. Your child will be more motivated and you may be shocked by how much fun you have together.

Words of caution

Any activity kids engage in should be done safely. Speak to their pediatrician first regarding any health concerns. Make sure the child knows how to do the activity correctly. While much play can be done without training, some exercises or sports can cause injury if they’re not done correctly, especially if they require special equipment. Proper warming up prior and stretching afterwards is important to prevent injury or soreness.

Formal classes can offer a lot to children, and we have many options locally. It is just my opinion (and perhaps based on some experience, too) but I think it matters who teaches the class. The instructor helps maintain the proper tone in the class and ensures children don’t get injured. You want a class that is both encouraging and avoids unhealthy levels of competition between children. You also want a class where the children are shown how to do each activity properly and not injure or stress their still-developing bodies.

As an example, a few years ago, our boys took a class with Jason Bernstein, who was also our child’s physical therapist. Because he was a physical therapist, I trusted that he would avoid doing anything that could cause injury or pain. I also saw how he worked with my child and knew he would maintain the proper social environment in the class. I

There are so many ways you can turn physical activity into an enjoyable experience with your child

was happy to see that my boys came

home from class each time excited and sharing their experiences and not upset if they had lost a race. It’s important that when kids compete, it’s done in a way that each child is built and not destroyed.

The importance of the instructor was further strengthened for me two months ago when, based upon my health provider’s suggestion, I started a women’s fitness class at Warren Levi Karate. I started experiencing intense back pain outside of class. After telling my instructor what was happening, she asked me for the details, consulted with a physical therapist, and gave me clear directions on how to modify exercises. All exercises in class were modified for me, and I healed within days from what could’ve become a terrible back injury.

Keeping physically active is important for everyone, and especially for our children now. Set them up now for a winter of fun and healthy movement. Consider joining with them and making it a winter you won’t soon forget.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.