Families and Children
There are so many benefits to being active as a family.
Why not experience the fun of being active together? Be a family in motion!
We play a very important role in our children's lives as parents and caregivers. One of the best gifts we can give little ones is the gift of being active. Regular physical activity helps children build the foundation they need for a healthy life.
As parents and caregivers, we can:
- educate children about the importance of physical activity and encourage them to be active
- be an active role model - children learn from example
- limit the time that children watch TV or play video/computer games
- schedule a regular time for physical activity throughout the week and find places to be active at home, outside and in the community
- look for ways to be active together and try new activities
- volunteer to help with physical activity events at your child's school or in the community
To learn more about the physical activity requirements for children, check out the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Youth. It is a great resource to gauge whether your children are getting enough physical activity!
Not sure where to start - need some ideas to get the family moving? Check out the great ideas section for some useful tips and ideas on being active as a family.
Tools and resources that can help your family get "in motion":
Manitoba in motion resources:
Kids in motion: An Early Start to Physical Activity for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Manitoba in motion I Love to Run jump, play, skate, dance:Winnipeg in motion resources:
Winnipeg in motion, Healthy Habits
Physical Activity Guidelines:
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children (5-11 years)
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Youth (12-17 years)
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years )
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults (65 years +)
Active Start one-page series written by Dr. Colin Higgs (Funded by Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council):
Active Start 1- Why Active Play is so Important
Active Start 2- Normal Child Development of Physical Skills
Active Start 3- Encouraging Different Types of Play
Active Start 4- Helping Children Play- The Adult Role Model
Active Start 5- Play Activites- The First Year of Life
Active Start 6- Play Activites- Ages One to Three
Active Start 7- Play Activities- Ages Three to Six
Active Start 8- Developing Agility, Balance and Coordination
Active Start 9- Activity Milestones- The First Three Years
Active Start 10- Activity Benchmarks- For 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds
Heart and Stroke Resources:
Heart and Stroke, Heart Healthy Kids
Heart and Stroke, Physical activity needs of children and youth
Heart and Stroke, Fun and Fitness
ParticipACTION Resources:
ParticipACTION, Fun Family Fitness Tips and Activities for Kids
ParticipACTION, After School Activity Guide and Tracker
ParticipACTION, A Parent's Guide to Activity
in motion media:
Radio Spots:
Active role models. Active kids. (30 seconds)
CTV Spots:
in motion family (30 seconds)
in motion family role model (30 seconds)
in motion early start -babies, toddlers and preschoolers (30 seconds)
in motion reduce screen time (15 seconds)
Posters:
This season's active role models are Moms putting their best foot forward!
This season's active role models are Dads setting new goals!
This season's active role models are Grandmothers turning over a new leaf!
Cette saison, ce sont les papas qui sont des modèles positifs de comportement actif en fixant de nouveaux objectifs! Cette saison, ce sont les grand-mères qui sont des modèles positifs de comportement actif en prenant un nouveau départ!