Now that the kids are hitting the books, adequate daily exercise might become a footnote. Learn why active kids reap more benefits in and outside of the classroom!

We all know that—as an overall rule—kids need to get plenty of exercise. After all, stretching those little legs and playing a good old game of street hockey is important for strong bones, a healthy heart, and a lower risk of the many diseases associated with excess weight.

However, exercise can benefit more than just their growing bodies. Kids who get the recommended one hour of physical activity each day reap a list of benefits that can help them both inside and outside of the classroom.

As a matter of fact, parents of active kids are more likely to find that their kids

• earn higher grades in the classroom
• are better at concentrating
• have stronger conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• are more confident
• exhibit more creativity

Help kids get active

While there’s something to be said for a little downtime, many Canadian kids simply don’t get enough exercise. So, this school year, why not add a few leg-pumping routines to the new school schedule?

• Get the kids some extra early morning energy by walking with them to school in the morning.
• Have the kids rake the leaves (and then jump in them) or shovel snow (and then jump in that, too).
• Set up a dance competition. The most enthusiastic dancer wins!
• Arrange active playdates with other parents. Kids can have a great time with their friends while splashing in the pool or enjoying a game of laser tag.
• Encourage them to take up a team sport.

The average kid spends up to seven hours a day staring at screens—computer or otherwise. While a lot of school-aged kids these days normally need access to the internet and a computer for assignments, it’s recommended that parents restrict screen time.

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, children under the age of two shouldn’t have any screen time at all, and school-aged children should be restricted to no more than two hours of recreational screen time.