As a nanny being physically fit is important to you and the child you are nannying for numerous reasons. Physical activity limits range differently for all age groups. While you don’t want your child to be inactive, you also don’t want to exert over when it comes to physical activities, so here are a few insights on the different limits for different age groups.
With that being said, physical activity, in general, is recommended to keep the body healthy, reduce the risk of illness, and keep the body at peak functioning. As nannies, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the child(ren) you are caring for is in the best shape and health while in your care. Having a schedule and basic health knowledge is always necessary to accurately care for the child(ren).
Different age groups’ active time frame
Ages 3 to 5
Research has shown that ages 3-5 should be active throughout the day as much as possible because it is necessary for growth and development.
Ages 6 to 17
Based on information from the CDC, children, and teenagers 6-17 should get up to 60 minutes or more of physical activities per day with moderate-to-vigorous intensity.
Seven Benefits of physical fitness in children
- Stronger bones. Children need to keep active to avoid losing bone density which is scary in the early stages of growth.
- Reduce the risk of being overweight or obese
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Low blood pressure. Exercise makes blood vessel walls more flexible, reducing blood pressure.
- More energy. Exercise improves circulation, giving children a much-needed boost of energy, concentration, and focus.
- Stronger lungs. Exercise means kids are taking in more oxygen and expelling more carbon dioxide, increasing lung capacity.
- Improves emotional health. An increase in the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain during exercise helps children feel a greater sense of well-being and optimism
Five Fun games used as an exercise for young kids
1 . Crab walk race
2. Hopscotch
3. Jump rope
4. The floor is lava
5. Tag
Four games use as an exercise for older kids
1 . Track and field
2 . Tug of wars
3 . Football /soccer
4 . Gymnastics
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