It is recommended that children participate in 60 minutes of exercise per day. Studies have revealed that exercise can boost children’s physical and behavioral health. According to the CDC, “Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and obesity.”
Children with ADHD can especially benefit from exercise. Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD tend to have less dopamine in their bodies. Dopamine is a chemical in your body which helps you to focus and to have a clear mind. It is released while exercising, which is why it is especially important for individuals diagnosed with ADHD to exercise daily.
How can I encourage my child to exercise daily?
- Make it part of their daily routine
- Limit sedentary screen time, and focus on activities with movement
- Be a role model- talk to your child about the physical activities you enjoy
- Partake in movement activities as a family (ie. gardening, backyard soccer games, family walks)
- Reward your child with movement incentives (more time at the playground, a bike ride together after school)
- Find little ways to increase movement (park further from the entrance, walk home from school, take the dog for a walk, wash the car)
What are some recommended outdoor activities to get my child moving?
- Bike ride
- Scooter ride
- Hopscotch
- Obstacle Courses
- Jumprope
- Rollerskate
- Run through the sprinklers
- Sports (soccer, basketball, kickball, softball)
- Plan a Scavenger Hunt
- Visit the playground
What are some recommended indoor activities to get my child moving?
- Dance parties
- Simon Says
- Balloon Volleyball
- Duck, Duck, Goose
- Yoga
- Charades
- Obstacle Courses
- Hula Hoop
- Freeze Dance
- Planning a concert/show