Family Playt ime
Cassandra Padgett
The secret to staying fit According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Furthermore, play builds the bond between parent and child.”
January usually brings a refocus on
health and fitness, but the enthusiasm often wanes by February. How can families become (and stay) healthy all year? Shift the focus to family playtime. San Diegans are fortunate to live in a place where weather doesn’t interrupt outdoor activities. Take advantage of San Diego sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year — and into adulthood. Contrary to popular belief, play or exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to positively influence health. Activities such as playing on a playground, running, team sports and riding bikes are beneficial.
20 • SanDiegofamily.com • January 2019
Physical play helps improve sleep, selfconfidence and self-esteem, strengthen bones, manage stress, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease; it also improves social and emotional skills. There is really no downside to play! Here are eight ways to encourage family fitness through playtime: Focus on fun! Choose activities your kids already enjoy, such as playing at the park, taking bike rides, ice skating or playing sports. Lead by example. Make exercise (or outdoor play) a priority in your life and let your kids see you enjoying physical activity.
Choose active toys. Provide bikes, scooters, balls or sand toys that encourage activity—versus electronics, toys or games that can only be used at home. Create boundaries around screen time. Screen time is a big reason that kids do not get enough physical activity. Use the AAP Family Media Use Plan to help your family decide on screen time use. Access the plan in English and Spanish at www.healthychildren.org. Try new activities together. Visit a new park or try a new sport together (fencing or aerial silks, anyone?) to increase family bonding. It could become a favorite!