“As a parent, you play a vital role in shaping your child’s lifestyle and setting them on the path to good health. Beyond just fun and games, staying active is essential for their physical, mental, and emotional development,” shares Associate Professor Teo Wei Peng of the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore.
Why Physical Activity is Important
Physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, boosts heart health, and reduces the risk of health issues like obesity and diabetes. Engaging in simple activities like running, climbing, and playing ball games can be both fun and essential in developing your child’s fundamental movement skills.
But the benefits go beyond just physical health. As Associate Professor Teo explains, “Active play doesn’t just support physical health, it helps children grow socially and emotionally too. Through movement, kids learn cooperation, build confidence, and improve their focus and mood.”
Additionally, movement sharpens cognitive abilities and improves mental well-being, enhancing:
- Attention and memory skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Mood
- Anxiety reduction
- Overall happiness
Make Exercise Snacking Part of Your Day
With busy schedules, finding time to engage in physical activity with your child might feel overwhelming. However, you don’t need to dedicate hours to it. Small bursts of activity throughout the day, also known as “exercise snacking” —for example, 10-15 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening —work just as well. Gradually increase the duration, frequency, and intensity to suit your family’s schedules and fitness levels.
Here is an infographic on some activities you can try as a family.
You could also plan simple activities such as alighting two bus stops earlier to walk the rest of the way home, climbing stairs instead of taking the lift, or walking home from the MRT instead of taking the bus back. These small changes can seamlessly weave movement into your parent-child routine.
The Screen Use Balance
Though screen use can be educational, it’s important to balance it with everyday active play. Excessive screen use can lead to issues such as poor learning focus and less time for physical activities. Plus, too much passive screen use can hinder your child’s development of essential social and decision-making skills.
So instead of screen use, encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens and head outside to engage in outdoor games or imaginative indoor play instead.
Lead the Way
As a parent, your involvement makes a big difference. When you engage in physical activities with your child, you show them that staying active is both fun and important. You’re helping them form healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
“Parents are their child’s first role models,” says Associate Professor Teo. “When you prioritise movement, your child is more likely to follow.”
So, start small and start today — every step, every jump, and every game counts!
For a bite-sized version of Associate Professor Teo’s tips, watch his video here.
Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board