You mean play? At three years old a child is absorbing information at least about three to five times the rate of an adult. Movement prevents obesity, settles the need for mental stimulation, self confidence etc. Active kids are slightly less likely to be diagnosed with ADD and are less likely to be ill.
When I was about 4 I was already reading, climbing trees, jr hockey etc.. God knows what would have happened if I hadn't been kept busy!
My son has sensory integration disorder and actually physical activity is part of his treatment to function. Add/adhd are very similar in that they are issues with the nervous system. He was diagnosed at 4.
You mean play? At three years old a child is absorbing information at least about three to five times the rate of an adult. Movement prevents obesity, settles the need for mental stimulation, self confidence etc. Active kids are slightly less likely to be diagnosed with ADD and are less likely to be ill.
I think I'd probably call it more physical activity for little ones. Really, it is essential. It actually has benefits that relate to the nervous system. It calms and soothes it. Children learn many things through play as well. How their body moves and responds to things, how their actions result in something ( kick, ball hits the net), how to interact with others as physical activity often takes shape in the form of games. As mammo says, it teaches balance. The brain also gets ingrained patterns of movement from physical activity------ and it helps move a child along developmentally. It is DIRECTLY related to behavior. It improves sleep patterns. And it sets up a life time of seeing physical activity as essential and part of the day. A child that loves to swim may become an adult that swims laps for exercise. Good luck
I've never known one at 3 to need exercise, they are normally busy little people. But the 5 year old may become complacent with watching TV, or just sitting around the house. You want to make sure he/she is getting enough physical activity so that she doesn't get in the habilt of not doing this which could result in obesity. I think if they get to go outside and kick a ball around and run, go to the park and climb, jump, swing, this will hellp build their muscles and teach them balance.