Active for Life. The importance of physical literacy for kids

I don’t like to preach (much), but there’s some things that I am passionate about.  One of those things is being active.  I’m definitely not the most active person on the planet but I try to keep fit in one form or another.  Whether it’s ensuring I go for decent walks daily, run-around with my children or go for a workout, I do my part to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

That’s why I strongly believe in Active For Life’s message; the importance of having physically active kids.  Their slogan of Physical Literacy is simple yet often overlooked.  Our society places a high value on literacy (as it should), but why should we place a lower value on physical literacy?  Shouldn’t we be teaching our kids, from a very young age, the importance and positive impact being active can have on our lives?  Personally, I believe we should.

Active for Life provides parents with resources to learn about activities for kids. Activities are organized by age and gender, so parents can find fun and engaging ways of making sure their children get the recommended daily amount of physical activity.

Activities for toddlers are aimed at the development of fundamental movement skills, while activities for children build on the fundamentals to establish more complex sport skills that can be used to play any number of sports and activities. Exercises for kids enhance their physical development. In the early stages of child growth, early childhood development is dependent on appropriate exercises for children. Because kids play is good for kids health.

At a recent event I attended, I spoke with one of the founders of Active for Life.  She gave me some great quick tips that I could implement while I’m out and about with my son.  For example, while I’m in a checkout line with my toddler, I can ask him to see how long he can stand on one foot.  It’s a game and a challenge, both of which he loves.  What he doesn’t know, is that he’s being active.  Specifically, he’s practicing his balance skill.  My 6-month old isn’t left out of being active either.  While he can’t be as active as my 3 year-old, there’s some fundamental movement skills that he can  develop (i.e. crawling by providing him with adequate tummy time).

I strongly encourage you to check out Active for Life’s website (http://activeforlife.ca/).  They have some awesome creative and unique activities that you can do with your kids, most from the comfort of your home.