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Having a Ball
Child Development Through Play By Mark Stackpole
"Play" just might be the answer.
So what is the question? As the obesity epidemic continues to spread, experts are advising parents that children need activity and exercise at a young age to help them ward off weight problems and health issues. So what are some of the best ways to help children get that activity and exercise? Well, you already know the answer.
There are all kinds of active play for children to enjoy: tag, running around the playground, riding a bicycle. One thing that children of all ages enjoy and especially toddlers and preschoolers is throwing, kicking or chasing a ball.
Now, plenty of parents are out there trying to turn their son into a left-handed relief pitcher or their daughter into a forward for Team USA soccer, but that is a different set of issues entirely the athletic aspirations and pressures will come soon enough. For now, though, let's focus on the simple fact that there is something inherently fun about interacting with spheroids, big or small.
The ball game is already being played, even though the player can't even stand up yet, never mind run around. Of course, once they start running around, there is no stopping them.
Margolis notes that structured play as exercise is not really necessary for toddlers, as they are constantly on the move. In fact, parents get their fair share of exercise just trying to keep up with them. "Given the chance, toddlers will run, climb and explore nonstop as long as they are awake," she says. "Give them a safe place to play with balls or blocks, and they will burn off all the calories they need to." However, that safe place is not always easy to find, especially if parents are too busy or tired to take part in this type of active play. Too many of today's toddlers are placed in front of the TV or computer in an effort to keep them still and out of trouble.