Schools and community centers are closed. Sports leagues are suspended. Children are home all day. How can parents keep their children active during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and maintain their sanity?
To prevent getting COVID-19, it’s vital to take steps to protect yourself, your family and others. We should all follow recommendations around social distancing, hand washing, not touching our faces, etc. but remember, It’s important to stay active! Physical activity boosts the immune system, promotes health, and relieves stress. Being active can decrease behavior problems in children and help them concentrate better on their schoolwork. The most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and children can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html
Physical Acties guide in a nutshell:
Ages 3-5:
Preschool-aged children should be active for a total of 3 hours each day at different intensities: light, moderate or vigorous.
Ages 6-12:
Kids need 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This includes activity
for their hearts, muscles, and bones. Exercise should be vigorous on 3 days of the week. Children can do 5 or 10 minutes several times a day or play for 30-60 minutes once or twice. Every active minute counts!
