That’s the message from Exercise and Sports Science Australia, which is encouraging Echuca-Moama parents to consider introducing positive exercise habits outside school-yard activities.
“Exercise and physical activity are vital for the physical, mental and social wellbeing of Australian kids,” ESSA chief executive Anita Hobson-Powell said.
To keep healthy, children should be moving for at least 60 minutes a day as per the physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines.
However, while more than two thirds of Australian children are participating in organised out-of-school sport, fewer than 30 per cent (aged 5 to 14) are actually meeting the daily physical activity recommendations.
“As our children walk through those school gates, as parents, we cannot assume that they will get all the physical activity they require whilst there, so it is up to us to get our children moving more,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“This can include incorporating movement in daily activities from a young age and ensuring it’s fun and simple, signing children up for community sports, or even joining them for a backyard game of cricket or soccer.”
To help encourage Australian children and families to become more active and educate them on the many benefits of physical activity, ESSA published a free Exercise for Kids eBook.
The eBook is a free resource and to be used by those who are involved in the development of children’s health — whether they be coaches, teachers or GPs — but most importantly the eBook is available to parents and guardians.
ESSA’s top tips for parents:
● Organised sport: Encourage and develop your child’s skills through an organised sport such as soccer, tennis or gymnastics. Contact your local sporting club to find out more about costs, timings and requirements.
Access local facilities: Many local councils have excellent lists of walking tracks, cycling routes, parks and recreation locations. Make the most of the free equipment and locations to keep your family active.
Plan ahead: Make a family planner that includes set activity times; for example, family bike ride, park runs, nature walks. Planning will help the whole family set dedicated time aside to move.
Active transport: Active transport to and from school is an excellent way to introduce more activity to both your own and your child’s day. It can be as simple as parking a little further from school and walking for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Seek professional help: If your child is living with a chronic condition or a disability then an accredited exercise professional can assist in developing a physical activity plan to suit their individual needs.
You can find an ESSA-accredited exercise professional and a copy of the eBook at essa.org.au
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