The best way to encourage children and youth to stay active at home is by getting involved in physical activity alongside them. (ID 177825575 © Sam Wordley | Dreamstime.com)

By Martin Martinson

getting active

Helping kids stay active at home

Apr 7, 2020 | 4:53 PM

With mandatory self-isolation still in effect for households throughout the nation and a recent snowfall over the Battlefords, it can be easy to stay stagnant while cooped up at home.

Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction with the Living Sky School Division, Tonya Lehman said exercise is a key element to a child’s overall growth and development as a healthy person.

“Physical fitness and physical activity is an extremely important part of child development and brain development, as well as our own mental and physical well-being,” Lehman said. “It is a critical piece and something we don’t want our families to forget about or not think about as the days go by; especially when the days are full of snow and some dreary weather.”

In addition to contributing to obvious heart and fitness health, Lehman said getting physically active also often leads to a natural curiosity and mental stimulation as well amongst youth.

Playing outdoors in the backyard, and going for a walk (while practicing the safe social distancing) are easy options Lehman said. She added a number of physical education teachers within the local school division have also been offering various workout routines, fitness programs and challenges on their school websites to help keep kids active at home.

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She said whatever the activity, parents play a key role in helping to keep their kids and youth active, adding that there is no better way to do so then to join in and take part in physical activity as well.

“Play and exploration is just such a critical piece for kids,” she said. “I think having fun with our kids is very important. Some of the best learning that happens, happens within our homes all the time. Formal education happens in school, but teaching and learning happens all the time and parents and guardians are their number one teachers.”

To find more information on wellness practices at home, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1