Active play is basically physical activity with bursts of high energy. It can occur indoors or outdoors, alone or with family and friends. Even before children can walk, they can start playing. As they get older and learn more skills, opportunities for active play increase.
WHY IS ACTIVE PLAY SO IMPORTANT?
Active play is the best way for young children to be physically active. It helps with their body and brain development and important social skills. By using up that boundless energy, active play will make your toddler sleep better too. It’s a great way to keep them occupied and most importantly, it’s great fun!
HOW MUCH ACTIVE PLAY IS ENOUGH?
National recommendations suggest young children should be physically active for at least 3 hours every day, but more is better. Your child can never have too much active play! This activity does not need to happen all at once, it should be spread out across the day.
HOW DO YOU GET ALL THAT ACTIVE PLAY TIME?
- Simply being outdoors is encouragement enough for young children to be active, so whenever possible head outside to the backyard, the local park, playground or beach.
- Balls and toys with wheels are fun and encourage movement, so give your toddler a ball to throw and chase inside or outside to keep them occupied.
- Kids love having a play partner, so join in! You don’t have to be sporty, toddlers don’t judge!
- Invite a friend over with their child and send them outside or provide play ideas that involve movement e.g. pop some music on for a ‘disco’. Then relax with your friend and a coffee while you keep an eye on the action; step in with new ideas if they start to get bored.
- Think about times when your child is often kept inactive (e.g. in the car, pusher, shopping trolley) and use this as an opportunity for more active play.
