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Toddlers on the run

Pre-school kids, between the ages of two and three, are hardly likely to give parents reason to worry when it comes to exercise. Considering that most children in that age are at their active best, most parents would pay to have them sit still. However, there is no doubt that active children tend to stay fit and healthy in their later years. There is no such thing as too much play for children.

A two-year-old child is capable to walk, run, and jump. A three-year old, in addition to the above, can climb well, kick a ball, ride a tricycle, and balance briefly on one foot. Exercises should aim to encourage these activities in children. A tricycle, push bag or a soft soccer ball is an ideal plaything for this age group. But the best exercises for children are the games that both parents and children play together. Adult supervision and participation makes these games safer for children and also help them bond better with parents. Any parent who has played goalie to a child kicking a soccer ball or has played "robber" to a pre-school "cop" on a tricycle will know what I am talking about.

Exercises that encompass a wide range of movements go a long way in fostering a child's over-all muscular development. Children who play well in this age grow up with a natural inclination for exercise. Even in their later years, they are naturally inclined to sports and have better athletic performance. In fact, most athletes start out by being very active in toddler years.

If your child is tiring you out by the end of the day, and maybe even making you wish you had paid better attention to contraception, he or she is probably getting enough exercise. But there are guidelines to be adhered to even for this age group. Pre-schoolers should not be inactive for more than an hour when they are not sleeping. So, say no to prolonged TV sessions. Toddlers should have at least 30 minutes of adult-supervised play, and at least 60 minutes of unsupervised play time with other kids everyday.

If your child does not like playing or cries because of pain during exercise, it's time to visit your paediatrician for help.

RAJIV. M

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