Fun Over Fitness

Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Play builds the bond between parent and child— The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to positively influence health. Activities like playing outside, running, riding bikes and sports are all beneficial.

Take advantage of Kaua’i sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year and carry into your child’s adulthood.

Benefits of physical play include:

• stress management
• improved sleep
• stronger bones
• increased self-confidence
• reduced risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease
• improved social/emotional skills

Here are eight ways to encourage family fitness through playtime:

1. Focus on fun!

Choose activities your kids already enjoy, such as playing at the park, taking bike rides, riding scooters or playing sports.

2. Lead by example.

Make exercise (or outdoor play) a priority in your life and let your kids see you enjoying physical activity.

3. Choose active toys.

Provide bikes, scooters, balls or sand toys that encourage kids to be active—versus electronics, toys or games that can only be used at home.

4. Get exercise while doing another activity.

Walking around the Ke Ala Hele Makālae Path in Kapa’a is a fun way to take a long walk without a focus on exercise.

5. Try new activities.

Visit a new park or trail or try a new sport together to increase family bonding.

6. Create boundaries around screen time.

Screen time is a big reason kids do not get enough physical activity. Use the AAP Family Media Use Plan at healthychildren.org to help your family decide on screen time use.

7. Let your kids take turns picking the family activity.

The kids are more likely to participate when involved in scheduling a favorite activity.

8. Make play a regular part of your routine.

It’s easier to stick to new habits when you attach them to something you already do. For example, a family walk after dinner once a week, a family trip to the park on weekend mornings, or a monthly date to explore a new hiking trail. Even if you only have 10 minutes, it’s worth taking the time to play together, and you’re more likely to follow through if it’s on the schedule.