Come on the move

Physical movement and the mental development of your child are inextricably linked. Children who move a lot, train their abilities on many levels:

• The bones are strengthened, heart and circulation stimulated, the muscles strengthened.
• Strength and endurance grow.
• The dexterity and sense of balance are increased.
• The better blood flow to the brain promotes performance.
• Attention and concentration improve.
• The coordination ability grows.
• The abstract and networked thinking is promoted.
• Small successes strengthen self-confidence and promote self-esteem.
• Exercise and sports in the group promote social behavior and the ability to work in a team.
• Exercise in the fresh air strengthens the immune system.

So create as many incentives as possible for physical exercise and motivate your child in everyday family life to test themselves again and again. Parents are, by the way, an important role model in this, so that the little ones do not lose the fun of exercise!

Children today are moving less and less. Increasing obesity and immobility are among the health consequences. But cognitive and social development also suffer from the lack of movement.

Children from the age of about three should get around 180 minutes of exercise a day. A good hour of this, spread out over the day, should involve some exertion, such as playing tag, throwing a ball, children's gymnastics, climbing or simply romping around a playground. Balancing on a log in the woods, a (low) wall or on a laid-out rope, jumping over rocks or skipping through puddles also strengthen body control, muscles and self-confidence. "Look what I can do!" children like to shout.