PARENTING Q & A | HOW TO GET KIDS MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE WITH SHARON FLANAGAN
Encouraging our children to take part in a sport or any extra curricular activity is considered important for many families. That being said it can often depend on what your child enjoys, whether that be a team sport or an independent activity – either way, it not only encourages self-esteem and a passion but it also keeps the kids active both physically and mentally. This will resonate with a lot of families as we know when the kids need to get out to stretch their legs and fill their lungs with fresh air, something that got us through the toughest times during the covid lockdowns.
How to get kids more physically active
I was delighted to collaborate with Sharon Flanagan, founder of ‘Fitness for Kids’ to get a better understanding on how to get your child physically active and why is it important for a child to be physically active. Sharon’s two greatest passions have always been working with children and exercise. Sharon has spent over twenty years working with children to include owning and running her own creche and also being a nanny, this led her to combine all her passions to make a real difference in children’s everyday lives.
Fitness for Kids aims to get kids moving more and enjoying exercise all in a positive fun environment. Sharon shares that ‘We base each class on physical development first while incorporating intellectual, language, emotional and social development’.
Fitness for Kids makes fitness a part of life and sets children up on their fitness journey. Sharon shared ‘We work on teamwork, co-operation, friendship and self-confidence. We encourage fun, games and activities to keep the children motivated and having as much fun as possible.’
Some of my questions included to Sharon included;
What can parents do to encourage their child’s fitness?
What kind of activities are beneficial?
What can prevent children from being active too?
What can a parent do to get their child physically active?
There are a few methods I believe that parents can do to encourage children to be physically active.
Being a good role model. You don’t have to be into exercise to set a good example. You can show your child how simple it can be to be active (e.g. Walk to school, take the stairs, limit your own screen time, get outdoors.) Creating healthy lifestyle habits can encourage the whole family to take part and be active.
Positive reinforcement. Always praising participation and not just winning or succeeding. Avoiding pushing your child into something that might not suit them, they may not enjoy or just don’t want to do. A positive attitude towards any activity will encourage them to feel confident and have the desire to continue.
Healthy attitude. Offering and setting a healthy attitude towards food, exercise and overall well-being can lead to a positive relationship with exercise, health and well-being.
Offer experiences and emphasize fun. This does not mean to include them in all sports and activities available, you could go for a walk together, enjoy time outdoors and find a hobby they enjoy. If something is fun, they will want to repeat it so fun is key!
What kind of activities can parents get their child into to encourage being active?
Start off simple and add. Walking, cycling and scooting can be a normal way to keep kids active. Never underestimate the power of walking or running!
Swimming is a life skill that I think is so important but also a great way of exercising.
Non-competitive activity; so many children are put off activities because they worry about not winning / succeeding. When I began Fitness for Kids I wanted to create something that could cater for all. Each class is based around fun and any competition is light hearted or a personal competition. Once they enjoy an activity they may want to take part in competitions but at their own pace.
Friendships & hobbies; If they have a friend or buddy that takes part in a hobby, they may want to join with them. Sometimes a bit of moral support can be all young children need to take part in something new. Another benefit of finding a hobby can be making new friends and promoting social development.
What do you find prevents children being active?
Competition
As I said before some children dislike competition, the possibility of confrontation or a defeat can affect self-esteem in a huge way. Some kids thrive on it and it pushes them forward but like adults, some people learn and develop differently so offering different options and allowing a child to find something they love.
Cost
Some hobbies (and equipment) can be very expensive and if you have more than one child the price just increases. There can be peer pressure within the hobby to have the latest equipment to go with that hobby and they all add up.
Time pressure
School and homework can take a lot of a child’s day and energy. Some children also go to creche or afterschool and by the time they come home they are too tired. They need to have some wind down time. Putting kids under too much pressure to fill their spare time can lead to over stimulation and exhaustion.
Lack of interest
Some children may not like taking part in certain outdoor sports, a single activity or team sports. Each child is different so start off simple and add from there. Each child will have different interests, abilities and things that push them forward.
Check out a blog on how to help your child’s negative self talk
Why is it important for a child to be physically active?
General health
Exercise gives children the opportunity to strengthen bones, muscles, joints, heart and lungs. It ensures children can maintain a healthy weight which in turn reduces health risks like diabetes and heart disease. Not only does exercise strengthen your whole body but it improves cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Mental wellbeing
When you exercise your body releases endorphins or ‘happy chemicals’ in the brain. These endorphins improve energy levels, mood, concentration and overall well-being. After exercise you can feel rejuvenated and it can help you sleep better which in turn helps concentration and alertness the next day.
Emotional regulation and stress reducing
With the help of endorphins children can reduce a build-up of emotions and anxieties using exercise, which is important for cognitive function. When children understand their stresses and emotions and how to improve or change them, they are learning how to regulate their own emotions.
Physical strength, mobility and development
Without lifting weights, doing yoga or a marathon, any exercise can help children’s physical development, coordination, mobility, balance, coordination, flexibility and posture.
Confidence & self-esteem
Taking part in exercise and being a part of something or a team will help children with problem solving, listening, leadership skills and can help develop self-confidence. If working with other teammates you can develop empathy and compassion too.
Check out a helpful blog on how to build your child’s self esteem
Is routine important?
I believe routine is so important for children as it offers them stability in everyday life. Children gain security from knowing and understanding why they have a routine. Routines offer consistency which can help children worry less. They can ensure children understand more, offer chances for independence and comfort in everyday life. If you input healthy habits and exercise into your routine it sets them up for life. Our motto is ‘From baby steps to giant leaps’ and even if it’s a small amount of exercise that is part of the daily routine it becomes ‘the norm’ and it can only grow!
Are children influenced by their parents' own physical activity?
Absolutely. Children are influenced by parents from an early age. Parents' beliefs, values and morals are evident when growing up. The stronger the relationship with your children, the more they mimic your behaviour, beliefs, and actions. They can also be influenced heavily by peers, school and media and nowadays social media too. We are all influenced by everything around us, so it is good to be mindful of where we place ourselves in that environment.
Sharon has highlighted and reinforced a lot of what we know, the benefits, the setbacks and it’s’ not just joining in a team sport that creates opportunity for fitness, there are so many other opportunities. Action speaks louder than words, so it’s as important that our children see us getting out and about too!
More info about Sharon and Fitness for Kids
Sharon Flanagan (Walsh) is a mum and wife, she competed in Irish dancing for 13 years, along with running her own business ‘Fitness for Kids’ she also loves long walks anywhere especially Howth cliffs and taking part in Crossfit, she always remains active. Running after a toddler adds to that!
Fitness for Kids caters for EVERY child. It is not just for the sporty, confident kid.
Their main focus is bringing out the best in each child. They encourage only positive outlooks on fitness and fun is key to every class.
Fitness for Kids motto is from Baby steps to giant leaps. We start with each child at the very beginning and bring them to whatever giant leaps means to them. Every child is an individual as is their program.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with your children, I am here to help. I offer tailored 1 to 1 parent support sessions or corporate parenting talks. Get in touch with me today at aoife@parentsupport.ie, I offer eLearning Parenting Courses on Positive Parenting and Managing Screen Time & Device Use which will help support you in the challenges you may be facing.