The key to a healthy life is physical activity from a young age. Young children need regular, vigorous, physical activity to develop and grow properly, as well as reduce the risk of disease. Physical activity helps develop your child’s movement skills, keeping the body strong and healthy! It also strengthens bones, muscles and the brain, establishing connections between them all.^1,2

Physical activity also improves focus, school performance, sleep and energy levels and most importantly, it builds a healthy heart and helps your child keep a healthy body weight.

From the age of 4, children have greater coordination and strength, allowing them an increased variety of sports and physical activities that they can choose from:^4,5

References:

1. Why Active Play Is So Important. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/why-active-play-is-so-important Date Accessed: April 2021.
2. Caring for Kids. Physical activity for children and youth. Available at: https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/physical_activity Date Accessed: April 2021.
3. Physical activity: Benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing. Available at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=641&language=English Date Accessed: April 2021.
4. 6 Activities for children from 2 – 5 years old. Available at: https://eresmama.com/6-actividades-fisicas-para-ninos-de-2-a-5-anos/ (translated) Date Accessed: April 2021.
5. The best children’s sport by age. Available at: https://www.guiadelnino.com/educacion/consejos-de-educacion/los-mejores-deportes-infantiles-por-edad (translated) Date Accessed: April 2021.
6. Kids and Exercise. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/exercise.html Date Accessed: April 2021. Sub Tab for “Healthy Growth”.