Physical fitness is not only one of the important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity ˜John F. Kennedy

Well, I was an athlete, a karate kid and physical activity had been of great significance right from my childhood. I carried this thought forward when I became a mom, wherein I ensured age-appropriate physical activity for the right growth and development of my son. When I had questions about if my son was growing the appropriate height and reaching all growth milestones, I decided I needed to do something about it. I needed to understand where the gaps in growth were so I could take the next step. Through PediaSure I came to know about the Grow Right tracker. Now, it is easier to keep a check on his growth. All I have to do is feed in the input and download the report. If I have further questions, I can show the pediatrician the regular reports and understand the concern. Monitoring growth is the #FirstStepToGrowRight that I have taken.

How does this tracker help though?

It became easier to identify the gaps in his growth so I could take the necessary steps to fill in those gaps with proper diet and physical activity. This is how I applied the insights I got from the tracker to ensure my child had more fun activities in his routine.

Role of physical activity in healthy children’s life to ensure they #GrowRight :

1. Motor skills:

I remember my son tying his shoelaces when he was 3.5 years. Incorporating fun physical activities right from toddlerhood helps in the development of motor skills, which can help them master the basic movements of daily life. It also enhances their hand-eye and brain coordination.

2. Strengthens their growing bones and muscles:

We’ve often heard that growing children need energy! Being physically active with forms of exercises like climbing, lifting, monkey bars, skipping, running, helps them build their muscles and bones. A good activity followed by a healthy diet is quite imperative for their bone health and muscle mass. Like I mentioned earlier, I had concerns about his growth. But keeping a tab on his growth through the tracker, I have been able to make changes in his diet as well.

3. Flexibility, stamina, and right posture:

I’ve often seen children slouching and this trend has only increased in the last few months. I ensure that my son is not slouching as it impacts their spine strength. In fact, exercises and physical activity improve spine strength (and promote right posture), enhancing their flexibility and stamina.

4. Maintain a healthy weight:

No physical activity = no significant calorie burning and we are all witnessing the effects of the same, isn’t it 😊? Well, just like adults, physical activity is crucial in weight management for children too, because the graph of childhood obesity is seeing an exponential increase. Not just physical development, sports, and physical activity have a great role in the mental and cognitive development of a child.

5. Cognitive Development:

My son has his structured lawn tennis session for 1:30hours, morning cycling hours, and yoga at home. Research has proved that during such physical activities nerve cells of the brain multiply and form new connections. It is very important as their brain is growing at a rapid pace and such activities, in turn, enhances their concentration levels. It improves their memory and I’m sure, as a parent, we all wish that! Let physical activity be a structured part of your child’s routine.

6. De-stress:

Kids do get stressed and I’ve observed that playing tennis helps my son relieve his anxiety. Daily challenges help him de-stress. And why not, with the circulation of feel-good-hormones, your child would certainly be a happier one.

7. Social Skills:

With the way kids are stuck to their gadgets, it has become imperative that they interact with other children equally. I remember my son was an introvert when he was 2 years old. I took a lot of effort to ensure he develops his social skills. Team sports is one amazing activity. It helps children make new friends, enhance their communication skills, and helps in socializing.

But what are the best physical activities for a child?

Well, it need not be complicated like a structured gym for kids, but simple activities like the following would make a huge difference!

• Running and jumping
• Cycling
• Monkey bars and rope climbing
• Fun family games (like even catching one another)
• Daily dancing session
• Skipping
• Swimming
• Organized sports (example: tennis, basketball, football)

These activities can be done in small blocks of time, well spanned over the whole day, if not all at once. The essence is that a child does engage in physical activity and spends less time lazing around. Engage your child in physical activities and map his/her growth using the Grow Right tracker. You’ll see the difference, just like I did!

And for this, the best practice that we follow is being active as a family!

The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any brand. Any omissions or errors at the author’s end do not assume any liability or responsibility on any party mentioned in the blog.