As parents, we all want our children to thrive in sports and lead healthy, active lives. We all want our toddlers to develop a love for physical activity. When it comes to their fitness and sports development, laying a strong foundation during the toddler years is crucial for their overall growth and well-being.
In this blog post, we'll provide you with practical tips and guidance on how you can actively support and boost your toddler's growth in sports. From creating a positive environment to incorporating age-appropriate activities, get ready to unleash your preschooler's potential and set them on a path to athletic success!
Early exposure to physical activity is key to building a strong foundation for your child's sports journey.
The Active Start Stage, designed for children aged 6 and below, focuses on teaching fundamental movements and integrating them into play. At this stage, our primary objective is to nurture a love for physical activity while establishing the building blocks for future enjoyment of sports.
Introduce your toddler to a variety of activities, such as running, jumping, and throwing, which enhance their motor skills and coordination. For example, you could start with simple games and exercises that make movement enjoyable and engaging for your little one.
Engaging in a variety of physical activities during the toddler years promotes the development of fundamental movement patterns, gross motor skills like running and jumping, agility, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, cognitive development, creativity, and social skills.
Creating a positive and supportive environment is crucial for your child's sports development. Encourage and praise their efforts, focusing on participation rather than competition.
FitKidz believes in nurturing a love for physical activity by making it a fun and enjoyable experience. Cheer on your toddler's achievements and provide them with the confidence they need to explore new sports and challenges.
Unstructured play is a powerful tool for your toddler's physical and cognitive development. Give your child the freedom to explore and move creatively. Whether it's running around in the park, climbing on playground equipment, or engaging in imaginative play, unstructured activities allow your child to develop their motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions.
FitKidz encourages parents to provide ample time for unstructured play, allowing their child's natural curiosity to flourish.
Tailoring activities to your toddler's age and abilities is essential for their growth in sports. FitKidz recommends incorporating age-appropriate exercises and games that challenge your toddler while ensuring success and enjoyment.
From obstacle courses to ball games and balance exercises, choose activities that align with their physical development and gradually introduce new challenges to keep them engaged.
Consistency is key when it comes to boosting your toddler's growth in sports. FitKidz advises parents to provide at least 30 minutes of organised physical activity for toddlers and 60 minutes for preschoolers each day. Make physical activity a part of their daily routine and prioritise it alongside other essential activities.
Remember, even short bursts of active play throughout the day can make a significant difference in your child's fitness and sports development.
As a parent, your actions speak louder than words. Be a positive role model by participating in physical activities yourself.
Whether it's going for a family walk, playing catch, or dancing together, your enthusiasm and active involvement will inspire your toddler to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. FitKidz believes that when parents prioritise their own fitness, children naturally follow suit.
During the Active Start Stage, several essential qualities are developed, providing a strong foundation for your child's fitness journey. These qualities include fundamental movement patterns, gross motor skills like running and jumping, agility, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.
Early exposure to physical activity during this stage not only enhances motor skills but also contributes to cognitive and socio-emotional development in children.
Children who engage in regular physical activity during the toddler years demonstrate improved motor skills, coordination, and cognitive functions compared to their less active peers. What's more, physical activity in early childhood positively influences cardiovascular health later in life.
To ensure optimal results and a positive experience for your toddler, we follow some essential guiding principles. First and foremost, all physical activities should take place in a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable learning environment.
We emphasise the use of modified games that promote the development of fundamental movement and motor skills. Our facilities and equipment are tailored to ensure success and enjoyment for every child. This encourages toddlers to actively engage and participate while promoting their overall well-being.
Toddlers who engage in unstructured play, explore their physical capabilities and learn through movement. By engaging in activities that challenge their abilities, children develop not only physical skills but also problem-solving abilities, creativity, and self-confidence.
To supercharge your child's fitness development, here's a comprehensive to-do list:
1. Provide at least 30 minutes of organised physical activity for toddlers and 60 minutes for preschoolers each day.
2. Encourage unstructured physical activity, such as active play, for at least 60 minutes a day, allowing toddlers and preschoolers to explore and move freely.
3. Regardless of the weather, ensure daily physical activity for your child.
4. Introduce age-appropriate physical activities from infancy, providing opportunities to develop fitness and movement skills.
5. Focus on improving fundamental movement skills, including running, jumping, twisting, wheeling, kicking, throwing, and catching, as they form the basis for future athletic abilities.
6. Design activities that challenge and engage your child, fostering competence and comfort in various sports and physical challenges.
7. Prioritise participation over competition, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all children.
The toddler years are a critical time to build a love for movement, develop fundamental skills, and foster a positive attitude towards sports. With these practical tips and guidance from FitKidz, you can become an active coach for your toddler's future growth in sports.
By laying a strong foundation through early exposure, creating a positive environment, embracing unstructured play, incorporating age-appropriate activities, encouraging regular physical activity, and being a role model, you set the stage for your child's athletic success.
You set them on a path to a lifetime of physical activity.
Get ready to witness their progress, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy the journey of raising an active and confident young athlete with FitKidz by your side. Let's embark on this exciting adventure together!
Receive articles like this one in your inbox every week.
We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.