Getting children active

Not sure how much exercise your children should be getting? Or even why it's important to stay active?

Read on to find out how you can help your children to live a longer, healthier life.

Why should children stay active?

Children should try to be active for 60 minutes every day. It's a good idea, too, to try to limit the amount of time they spend watching TV, playing computer games and using the computer. This should be less than two hours a day.

Physical activity does not just mean sport or organised games. It can include time at a playground, briskly walking to school or playing in the park. You should aim to include activity into your everyday family life. Enjoying sport or active games should be part of this. Being active helps children to develop strong bones, muscle strength and flexibility.

Don't forget too, that praise is important when children make an effort, whatever level they are at.

Exercise can also help children maintain their weight at a healthy level and can protect against catching coughs and colds. It can also increase energy levels and brain activity. Looking and feeling better can also really boost a child's self-confidence.

There are long-term benefits too. Children who maintain a healthy weight are less likely to develop illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, or to suffer strokes, in later life.

Come visit our Connect3 Active sessions for a chance to reach your 60 Active minutes. Sessions are located across the Wakefield district, where you can have a go at all kinds of fun games with other kids and teenagers aged from 5-16. Come along to have fun and make new friends!

For more information on the sessions, see the Connect3 Active leaflet.