EARLY CHILDHOOD

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Activity in Early Childhood

How can I help my 3-year-old learn new skills, such as throwing a ball?

Children go through stages as they learn something new, whether it's learning to feed themselves or to coordinate their arms and legs. Some children learn more quickly than others. Some may need extra help from an adult. All children need practice when they are learning new skills, just like adults do.

What physical activities are appropriate for my child?

Physical activities (for example, running, jumping, climbing, and throwing, catching, or hitting a ball) and simple games (for example, "Simon Says," chase, and tag) are appropriate for children. Your child can also participate in developmentally appropriate organized activities (for example, tumbling, gymnastics, and dancing). Children less than 6 years old do not have the motor skills, or mental and emotional capabilities, to participate in organized sports.

How often should my child participate in physical activity?

Your child will benefit most from daily physical activity. Children tend to be active in spurts and know when they need to rest.

My neighborhood isn't very safe. How can my child be active if he can't play outdoors?

Community organizations, recreation centers, and churches and other places of worship provide opportunities for children to participate in physical activity. Work with community leaders to ensure that your child has safe places for participating in physical activity (for example, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, parks, and recreation centers). Also, your child can do many activities at home such as hopping, dancing, playing tag or hide-and-seek, tossing a ball, or crawling through an obstacle course.

Why is my daughter afraid of playing on playground equipment?

Be patient, and try holding on to her when she is on the equipment. If this doesn't work, try to find other activities that do not frighten her.

My son is lagging behind my daughter in motor skill development even though my daughter is a year younger. Why?

Boys often take longer than girls to develop motor skills. However, once boys learn a skill, they usually perform it as well as girls. Boys tend to perform better than girls in activities requiring strength (for example, throwing), and girls tend to perform better in activities requiring balance and fine motor skills (for example, tap dancing).

Should I enroll my child in a gymnastics or dancing class?

Classes taught by qualified and experienced instructors can be excellent for children. Always check on instructors' qualifications, and observe the classes as much as possible.

Our child care provider does not encourage physical activity. What should I do?

Talk to your child care provider and encourage her to incorporate physical activity into the day. If lack of space or equipment is the problem, work with her to come up with creative ideas to provide physical activity opportunities for the children. If this is not possible, consider changing child care providers to one who promotes physical activity.

Resources for Families

See Tool F: Physical Activity Resources for contact information on national organizations that can provide information on physical activity. State and local departments of public health and education and local libraries are additional sources of information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 1999. Promoting Physical Activity: A Guide for Community Action. Champaign, IL: Human
Kinetics.

Cooper KH. 1999. Fit Kids! The Complete Shape-Up Program for Birth Through High School. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers.

Corbin CB, Pangrazi RP. 1998. Physical Activity for Children: A Statement of Guidelines. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Institute for Research and Education HealthSystem Minnesota, Health Education Center. 1996. Building Your Activity Pyramid. Minneapolis, MN: Institute for Research and Education HealthSystem Minnesota, Health Education Center.

Kalish S. 1995. Your Child's Fitness: Practical Advice for Parents. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Katzman CS, McCary R, Kidushim-Allen D. 1993. Helping Your Child Be Healthy and Fit with Activities for Children Aged 4 Through 11. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement.

Koch T, Kamberg M. 1997. Cabin Fever Relievers: Hundreds of Games, Activities, and Crafts for Creative Indoor Fun. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.

Kranowitz CS. 1995. 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.

Landy J, Burridge K. 1997. 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Raise a Child Who Is Physically Fit. New York, NY: Macmillan.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 1999. Help Your Child Achieve a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 1994. Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children, Ages 3–5. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 1995. Asthma and Physical Activity in the School: Making a Difference. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. 1992. Kids in Action: Fitness for Children. Washington, DC: President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Shisler J, Killingsworth R, Schmid T. 1999. Kidswalk-to-School: A Guide for Community Action to Promote Children Walking to School. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.