How to Encourage Kids to Be More Active (and to Put Down Their Electronics)
It's no secret that children today aren’t active enough, and they’re suffering as a result. Many of them would rather play games like Fortnite than go outside. But what exactly can you do about it? How can you motivate and encourage your kids to put down their smartphones and controllers?
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Even Youth Athletes May Not Be Getting Enough Exercise- Encourage Them to Move
You think all those dedicated and driven athletes are getting more than enough exercise, right? While most children are involved in organized sports, three out of four children ages 5-15 are getting less than the recommended one hour of physical activity daily. That means most children and teens are at risk for poor physical and mental health related to their inactive lifestyles. Obese children are even less active than normal-weight children. There are 12.5 million obese children in the United States –17% of children ages 2-19. The inactivity may actually be a consequence of the obesity, not the other way around. ... [MORE]
Want to get your little ones involved in the Winter Olympics? Try these games at home for some family fun!
Olympic Games are an international celebration of sport to inspire and promote goodwill among people around the world. This year, thousands of athletes will again compete for coveted medals and the chance for international fame.
The 2018 Winter Olympics this February in PyeongChang, South Korea will have families everywhere gathering around TV screens or streaming video on mobile devices.
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CEO Divamoms, Lyss Stern, With Some Winter Tips
Lyss Stern, CEO Divamoms.com, best-selling Author and mom of three children is a big advocate for children's health. She also talks about the importance of moving and keeping active especially during winter months. As parents, it's important to make sure the children in our lives are active as much as possible during the cold winter months. During these winter months we need to get creative and to make sure that our kids get the exercise and physical activity that is so important. ... [MORE]
Why Nutrition For Active Kids Is Important
It's important to make sure children fuel their bodies with proper nutrition. Active kids and developing bones and muscles need essential nutrients to grow strong. Milk plays an important role for kids' meals and snacks. When you pair your kids' meals with an 8-ounce glass of milk, you can help them reach their daily recommended value for protein, calcium and vitamin D. ... [MORE]
The Link Between Sports and Performance in School
In general, it has been scientifically demonstrated that physical exercise is tightly correlated with mental acuity. A 2010 article in the Washington Post cited John J. Ratey, a Harvard University psychiatrist who synthesized volumes of research for his intriguing 2008 book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. In his book, Ratey describes taking MRI scans of the brains of sedentary people who have suddenly improved their fitness – and increased volume in the hippocampus and frontal and temporal lobes, the regions of the brain associated with cognitive functioning. ... [MORE]
The Purpose of Youth Sports: It's All About Perspective
The purpose of youth sports should be as much about learning sustainable life lessons as it is about winning games. Back in the day, life lessons for kids were developed through neighborhood pickup games, and now these fun, playful healthy games are being replaced by highly organized result oriented leagues. Overly-high expectations of very young kids are becoming the norm. Because of specialization and professionalism, burnouts and over-use injuries are on the rise and kids are dropping out of organized sports in record numbers. Seventy percent of kids are quitting by age 13. ... [MORE]
How To Navigate the World Through The Eyes of a Toddler
The world can be an intimidating place for anyone, let alone through the eyes of a toddler. It is important as parents to be supportive and help children gain social skills at an early point in their development. There are 3 main factors that children rely on when it comes to developing their social skills at a young age and parents should be observant of these. ... [MORE]
How To Turn that Frown Upside Down With Drop-Off?
Does your little one just not want to let go when you try to say good-bye for Preschool, gym class, or even feel a bit anxious when you drop them off at their friend's birthday party? Entering a new environment filled with unfamiliar people can cause anxiety for children -- and their parents! Studies show that separation anxiety is a normal part of child development and there are many ways of coping to help alleviate the effects it has on your children. ... [MORE]
Sports Psychology: Improving Mental Toughness in Young Athletes
Parents and coaches who are knowledgeable about "mental game" challenges and strategies are better equipped to instill confidence in their young athletes. Here are a few important tips to be aware of. ... [MORE]
Hey Parents! Shout words of encouragement from the sidelines, not discouragement
The coaches at Kids In Sports focus on the importance of positive reinforcement not competition or being the best, and it is important for parents to re-emphasize that as well. It is important for parents to embrace the unconditional love and emotions at an early age because it will be gone in the blink of any eye. Let them develop their own behaviors and emotions with sports and show them end of season appreciation. ... [MORE]
In 2017, Kids are Influenced by Technology Too much, Keep Them Active
Some athletes don't even get enough exercise as Jesse Palmer of ESPN (and former NFL) points out, "There is no better way to build a solid and secure social circle as a kid than by playing sports. Youth sports are the ultimate common denominator helping kids break the ice and develop friendships with other kids. It's not all about success on the field. It's about learning lessons early in life that will help you later. Teamwork, sportsmanship, goal setting, learning to deal with failure in a positive way. These are values that sports teach and all kids can benefit from. Also, the exercise is critical. Especially in today's age of technology, video games and social media, kids need to be active. It's not all about winning or being the best. Get off the couch and be active." ... [MORE]
The Importance of Multi- Sports and Not Sport Specialization at a Young Age
At Kids In Sports, we focus on the importance of learning multi sports at a young age and the benefits of doing so. Specific sports can wear children down if they start too early. The problem that arises out of children specializing at such an early age is that they do not have the social skills nor the cognitive skills to understand the complex roles they must partake in to be successful in a serious sport. It's important for kids not to specialize or play one sport year round and that, parents and coaches must be cognizant of the fact that kids' bodies are not meant to be trained in the same manner as adults. ... [MORE]
Make Kids Love Exercise Early, While You Still Have That Impact On Them
Make it a Family Thing- Take a walk to the park to have a picnic instead of eat in front of the TV. Take the bike out for a ride instead of the car- you'll save gas money too! ... [MORE]
Benefits that go beyond the game!
As a parent it's amazing how much thought and effort goes into doing whats best for our Children and trying to give them as many advantages as possible. We clearly all want the best for our Children. ... [MORE]