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Toddlers and Physical Activity
An Expert Answers Parents' Most Common Questions
By Rae Pica, Children's Physical Activity Specialist
enroll your child in a program to do right by her. Before making a decision, visit the center you're considering and bring your child with you. Which looks like the most fun? Which holds the most appeal for your toddler? Does she want to participate?
First, the instructors should be well trained, with special understanding of early childhood. The equipment should be child-sized and created with children in mind. (No equipment designed for adults – like barbells – and then miniaturized for kids.) Finally, the program must have a philosophy of fun first – of play, as opposed to regimen.
Beware of programs that promise to improve your child's physical prowess, "accelerate" his skill development or get him "pumped up" (increase his muscle strength). The first two aren't physically possible. The final promise is somewhat of a possibility, but "strength training" isn't appropriate for children under 12.
Considering that you want her to learn the significance of commitment, it's understandable that you're reluctant to let her quit. A toddler, however, is too young to understand obligation. Still, you may not want to automatically acquiesce the instant she says she doesn't want to participate anymore.
Explore her reasons for wanting to quit. Does she have a fear that you can help her overcome? Or is she simply not enjoying the experience? If it's the latter, by all means let her quit. Maybe it was the wrong activity for her. Or perhaps what she needs most of all is unstructured time.
