Why is PE so Important for Children?
Exercise is a key part of growth and development for young children. It aids in the development of their gross motor skills, or physical strengths. Depending on your child’s age, there are differing levels of physical exercise that they should engage in. Babies under the age of 1 for example are recommended to spend at least 30 minutes on their tummy a day whilst those that are slightly older (between 3 to 4 years) should spend around 180 minutes on a range of physical activities. To meet these requirements, PE (or physical education) is a compulsory part of the curriculum from as early as EYFS where it is regarded as physical development.
This post was put together with the help of a boys’ school in London. It shares some more benefits of PE for children and why you should prioritise exercise at home.
Mental Health Benefits
Aside from the developmental part, what you may not have known about exercise is that it has tremendous benefits for mental health. Chemicals known as endorphins are released during exercise which alleviates stress and helps children to feel happier within themselves. While you may be thinking that your child’s only young, stress can impact children of all ages especially, when there’s been a change to their routine.
Healthy Habits
Another benefit of exercise is that it helps children to develop healthy habits for the future. As we know childhood obesity can have serious implications for children on their quality of life and increase their risk of developing health problems later down the line like type 2 diabetes.
Team Working
Much of what your child will do in PE will involve group games and working within a team which can help them in learning how to deal with different characters and be more vocal when working with others. A skill that they will definitely need later on in life.
Hidden Talents
Your child may be naturally gifted and have a hidden talent that you know nothing about. They will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of sports from swimming to football and learn a little more about themselves in the process. The things that they like and dislike as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
These are just a few benefits that we’ve discussed. Exercise may even be something that your child finds fun and enjoyable. It can be as it gives us the chance to test our limits and achieve new milestones.
