Get a Move On!

When most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym or taking a run, but for kids, exercise means play, play, play. Although we may often think about play being structured and having rules, sometimes play has no discernable ‘point’ at all. Spinning in circles, hula-hooping, following bugs across the ground, riding a tricycle around the driveway one hundred times, climbing the monkey bars to different levels and jumping off…kids have no limit to what energizes and engages them that also keeps them physically active. Both structured and unstructured play are essential to learning and development in children, and both have wonderful benefits.

Structured play teaches teamwork, rules, boundaries, and if done well, incorporates children of all skills and abilities. It also presents chances for kids to develop tools in dealing with concepts like ‘losing’ and ‘winning’ (and the possible influence on self-esteem). Self-pride that comes with effort and hard work, instead of a trophy, is an important learning experience in preparation for adulthood.

Unstructured play is also a fundamental part of childhood. It is, for kids, the penultimate of living ‘in the moment,’ and it is their hallowed ground. They are, after all, a new life in our world. They are discovering things that we don’t even blink about as adults. Did you know, for example, that no matter how many times you jump up in the air, you never float away? Or that when you spin until you are dizzy, the whole world spins with you? That rolling down a hill is a thrill Every. Single. Time?Although it may be more challenging to be physically active with our kids in today’s world due to time, space or schedules, there are a still a variety of ways for you and your My Girl Friday Nanny to incorporate fun moving activities into their day. These games promote physical fitness and can work even in smaller spaces!Freeze Dance: A classic! Kids can do this almost anywhere, and it really gets them moving.Teach the Class: This is lots of fun! Kids really love it because everyone (who wants to) can take a turn. One child is the ‘instructor’ and they tell/show the class what to do. Historically, this includes lots of jumping jacks, although once I had a little girl who was a Yoga enthusiast and had us doing stretches every time we played!Jump the Creek: This can work with anything from hoses outside to yarn inside. The creek starts out narrow and begins to get wider and wider. Kids may get really creative and turn it into lava! If they are younger, you can always use a pillow case or kitchen towel to be a ‘stone’ to help them cross.Obstacle Course: A blast to put together and more fun to do it! Kids will enjoy helping to put this together! Follow the Leader can be incorporated with this game and the leader can add challenges as everyone goes through the course.Mother May I/Simon Says: These are another type of game that kids love to take turns being the lead in, and it keeps everyone on their toes!Chalk games: Every nanny worth their salt always has at least one piece of sidewalk chalk tucked away! Mazes, hopscotch, and four square are just a few examples of games that encourage movement.As long as there is a variety, both in energy level and types of movement, playtime keep kids active, works on endurance, flexibility, balance and strength, as well as improving fine motor skills. As we all know, good health is the foundation for better learning, stress relief and keeping health issues at bay. All it takes is the will to move and imagination!Leanne Powell, 2016