Movement During Quarantine Part 10: Have fun!

Not to beat a dead horse, but you cannot underestimate the importance of genuinely engaging and participating in movement activities collaboratively with your child. In my experience at camp, in the classroom, or in the gym, my enthusiasm directly affects that of the kids, and the success of the entire session.

What do YOU like to do to exercise? Could your child join? What exercises do you know that you could teach your child?

What's going to motivate YOUR child? A sports icon? A superhero? An older sibling? Your personal experiences in sports or fitness?

Don't forget to roughhouse! Rough and tumble play between parent and child is not only amazing for physical exertion and bonding, but also is great practice early on for a child learning to emotionally regulate both winning and losing. In the same way lions will feign pain occasionally when their cubs bite their heels, adults can help their children grow confidence in their strength and ability to win, as well as learn how to win with grace. Conversely, occasionally "winning" the contest can help motivate children to try different strategies or even push themselves harder during other movement activities in an attempt to "train."