Why is being active from an early age so important?
Being active is important for healthy brain development. It also discourages health problems like diabetes and obesity.

Being active is not only beneficial physically it also helps children to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially so they are healthy, happy and confident.

How does being active contribute to brain development?
Early experiences fine-tune brain structures – they directly affect how we are hardwired.

Does this development come naturally?
Yes and no. Technology (such as television and computers) plays a big part in our lives so we tend to move less and generally we’re less active than our parents and grandparents were.

For example, babies and young children are spending less time on the floor. They are carried more often and spend much more time in cars, backpacks, pushchairs and supermarket trolleys. We need to encourage our children to be more active – right from the start.

How can parents get their children involved in movement activities?
There are lots of ways parents and caregivers can get children involved in movement activities.
* Play games - children love playing games and they help children to express, explore and discover many aspects of life relative to themselves and others.
* Include your children in every day activities such as hanging out the washing, gardening, and preparing meals.

What about cost – is getting active expensive?
Being physically active doesn’t need to be expensive, you don't need special equipment. The important thing is to just get moving – anywhere, anytime and with anything.

Children learn from doing things themselves – and a lot of things that build what we call 'fundamental movement skills' can be learnt from getting out there and doing things like climbing, jumping, running and riding a bike.

What are some easy things I can do to help my children be more active?
* Walking, skating or cycling to the park, shops or school rather than going in the car.
* Simply going outside to play – climbing trees, playing in sandpits and with water.
* For babies, lying and crawling on the floor and activities that assist with tactile and eye development.
* For older children try to limit screen time (in front of the television and computer).
* Use any opportunity involving physical activity which is fun, challenging, social and exciting.

What if I don't have the time to help my children be more active?
Just doing a little bit will help you and your children, try to build some little things into your day when you can.

What resources are available?
You can download the full brochure right here from DIYFather.com or get more information at the SPARC website.

The material on this page has been published with kind permission from SPARC. Please note that views and opinions expressed in comments on this page are strictly those of website users commenting. User comments on this page have not been reviewed or approved by SPARC.

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