Having four children contributes to a heavy workload and I often say that I have too many children and not enough husbands. Or, as someone corrected me recently, not enough wives! John (my husband) travels out of town on a regular yet unpredictable basis which often means there is only one taxi driver, one chef, and no one to do the maths homework.
Like many households, sport with a smidgeon of music consumes our afternoons. As I write this, I am recovering from two cricket practises, two swimming lessons, and then ferrying one child from cricket to golf. Overdue library books have been returned, a multitude of school notices filled in and I fervently hope I have put them in the right school bags – yesterday Jamie was horrified that I had put undies instead of togs in his swimming bag for school!
Participating in organised sport or just being physically active is an integral part of our family life. I believe that adults in positions of responsibility, especially parents/caregivers, need to understand that physical activity is crucial for every child’s development.
Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
Every child has the right to rest, leisure and an opportunity to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
Member governments shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
Sadly we are becoming a society at risk of killing our children. The long term health outcomes of poor dietary habits and increased inactivity paints a very gloomy picture.
It has been well documented that if the “obesity epidemic “ is not addressed then the numbers of children with Type 2 diabetes and other chronic medical conditions associated with obesity and a lack of physical activity will reach epidemic proportions.
Seems to be a lot of Hui and not much dooey as far as I am concerned when really the answer is relatively straightforward. I don’t feel qualified to speak with authority on nutritional matters, but I feel I have enough experience both as an athlete, and more importantly as a parent, to comment on physical activity. I believe one of the simplest ways to get your child active is to encourage them to participate in one of the many sporting opportunities that are available at school or in your community.
Physical fitness is determined primarily by habits and is important throughout your entire life. If we educate young people to the “value” of fitness and encourage healthy eating habits and regular exercise these will become part of their everyday life. Whilst there are many facets to physical activity, I would like to specifically address the role of organised sport.
Over the years there has been vigorous debate over children’s participation in competitive sport. Sport can and should be a positive experience for children and can produce significant developmental benefits.
I don’t mean you should all rush out and put your toddlers into the “Tiger Woods” programme. Generally, children start to show an interest in competitive sport at about the age of 6; prior to that the first six or seven years are an important period for developing physical or motor control.
Whilst they are young, children need to be taught the basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, hitting, running, jumping and climbing. Most of these skills are developed through play but you would be astounded by the number of children who start school unable to complete any of these activities. I would also stress the importance of swimming lessons for youngsters given our natural environment and close proximity to water.
Children learn through play, and whilst many children will want to be involved in competitive sport, sometimes formalised competition for young children under 10 provides unnecessary pressures, removes the fun, and often deters those who may not be as confident or co-ordinated.
Whilst they are young, it is important to focus on skill development; children experience pleasure, achievement and confidence from mastering new skills. Those children who are reluctant to participate have often never been shown or taught these skills. They therefore lack the confidence to join in for fear of failure or ridicule, and we all know how cruel children can be towards each other.
In terms of physical ability, children can compete against other children of similar age when basic skills are being mastered, but children do not achieve a mature understanding of competition until about 10 – 12 years.
Remember, children are reliant on adults to supervise and structure their sporting activities. Parents make the best first coaches and have a responsibility to be aware of their children’s limitations, fears and needs so that sport is fun and safe and a positive contribution to their development physically, mentally and socially.
Parents should be positive role models, maintaining their own physical fitness whilst being supportive, patient and offering plenty of encouragement. As winter sport approaches I am already dreading the sideline antics of some parents and even coaches. It appals me to see the behaviour of those who stand on the sideline and think that winning is everything. Winning is a worthy goal in any sport but winning to a child is not always reflected by the final score. Overcoming an obstacle, mastering a new skill or even just taking part can be seen as winning. All children desire to play and have fun. It is usually the adults who decide that winning is the only ultimate prize.
Time and space prohibit me from rambling on about my passion, which is to get all children active. “Healthy bodies, healthy minds” is my motto and I hope this article will serve as a catalyst to get people thinking more about their family’s physical activity habits. Sport is an easy and fun way to start.
I would be happy to answer or discuss any queries people may have in relation to getting started; you could also contact your local Regional Sports Trusts as they have all the necessary information to help you on your way.
Now…shall I join in the game of backyard cricket or have a glass of wine?
