Child Development 101: Preschoolers Need Exercise, Too

According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), a non-profit organization that sets the standard for best practices in quality physical education and sport, preschool-aged children need a minimum of two hours of physical activity daily - including one hour structured (adult-led) and an hour unstructured (free play). They should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time (except when sleeping).

"By providing age-appropriate physical activity experiences, early childhood caregivers can positively impact physical, intellectual and emotional development and plant the seeds for a lifetime of healthful practices and behaviors," according to NASPE Executive Director Charlene Burgeson.

Regular physical activity helps young children build strong bones and muscles, healthy hearts, lungs and arteries, and improved coordination, balance, posture and flexibility. It also reduces the risks for many chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, and helps children maintain a healthy weight, one of First 5 LA's strategic goals.

While two hours of exercise may sound like a lot, 3- to 5-year-olds are so active, they probably get the exercise they need going about their daily routine. To promote physical activity and ensure young children get the proper amount of exercise, child development and health experts say parents, teachers and caregivers should:

• Encourage activities that promote free play, fun and exploration. Have kids play tag and Simon Says, climb on play equipment, throw or catch a ball, tumble, etc.

• Play games together and provide age-appropriate active toys, such as balls, push and pull toys and riding vehicles.

• Go for a walk, play and explore your backyard with your child, or take advantage of playground equipment at a local park.

• Limit television watching to no more than an hour a day.

Experts say the key to getting preschoolers to exercise is capturing their imagination so it's fun. This age group has a short attention span, so activities should change often to avoid boredom.

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