Child's Play - Building a Confident Child Through Physical Play

"Moving is as natural to learning as breathing is to living," says early childhood expert Mimi Chenfeld. From newborn to fully grown, your child must learn many things. The majority of those skills are learned through practice, cooperative play and physical activity.

By nature, a child must move, fidget and wiggle. They are not intended to lead a sedentary lifestyle. A child's body needs to run, jump, roll and play to grow and develop normally. They need to build strength, strong bones, and coordination. It is not possible for this to happen without a great deal of physical activity and practice.

As early as 3-4 months of age, your baby will start becoming active. Learning to hold their head up, reach out to grasp toys and roll over unassisted. Without physical activity and practice, your baby would not learn these skills. The same holds true for every stage of development throughout your child's growing years.

The best way to help your child reach milestones in their physical development is to encourage activity and movement. Your child will naturally continue to try new motor skills challenges. A one year old will automatically begin learning to walk, climb and balance if given the choice. Providing the necessary tools, opportunities to practice and most importantly, your time, will speed your child through the physical challenges of life.

Backyard play equipment, bicycles and regular activities are all tools your child needs. Giving your one year old a safe environment to learn basic climbing skills, under adult supervision, is necessary for strengthening muscles, developing balance and coordination. Toddler sized playground equipment will go a long way to seeing your child, aged 12 months through 4-5 years old, develop all of the physical and motor skills they need.

Outdoor play is important. Not only will they get the necessary Vitamin D from the sunshine, they will also begin to see physical activity as an important part of being healthy. Especially if you set an example by being physically active outdoors too. Simple things like going for a family walk or bike ride after dinner, playing ball in the back yard or pushing your child on a swing set will help ingrain the need to stay active in your child's life.

As your child begins to master certain skills you will begin to hear the words "Watch me!" as he performs one physical feet or another for you. This means he is gaining confidence in his abilities. Children who are more active and more comfortable with their physical abilities are more self confident about themselves in general. They tend to attempt new challenges in life with less hesitation.

Self esteem, healthy body image and self confidence are all by-products of physical activity. Be sure you include toys and opportunities to encourage your child to stay active. Limit the types of activities that require your child to stay "still". Watching TV and playing video games should be allowed on a very time-limited basis.

The average child should be physically active at least 4-5 hours per day to maintain their health. Obviously as a parent, it is not possible for you play with them all of that time, so it is important that you give them toys or play equipment that will encourage them to be active on their own.